Opposition outrage over DSP’s apology to BJP leader in viral video

A video of a senior police officer publicly apologising to a BJP leader in Haryana has sparked a political storm, with Opposition parties accusing the ruling BJP of undermining the authority and morale of the police force.

‘Police morale hit by political interference’

Haryana Police Sangthan Association’s state executive president Mahender Singh Saharwa said the DSP had apologised to the BJP leader out of courtesy. However, making a video of the apology and uploading it on social media was completely wrong and it has lowered the morale of the police.

The controversy stems from a video circulating on social media showing DSP Jitender Rana apologising to BJP leader Manish Singla in Sirsa. The apology followed an incident at a government event on April 27, where the DSP had asked Singla to move away from the VIP area during the Cyclothon 2.0 event, which was flagged off by Chief Minister Nayab Saini.

Opposition leaders condemned the incident. Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav took to social media, stating: “By making an honest police officer apologise on camera, isn’t the BJP breaking the morale of the police? This is shameful.”

Congress MP Deepender Hooda alleged abuse of power. “The BJP leaders are blinded by power and arrogance. They forced a DSP to apologise simply because he didn’t recognise them at a Chief Minister’s event. This shows clear disrespect for both the administration and the police,” he said.

JJP leader Digvijay Chautala called the act unprecedented. “This is the first time in Haryana’s history that a gazetted officer has been made to apologise in such a goonda style manner. It is a blow to the morale of the police force. The DGP must step in and take appropriate action,” he demanded.

The video, recorded during a conciliatory meeting arranged by Sirsa SP Dr Mayank Gupta on April 29 at a local PWD rest house, shows DSP Rana saying, “I didn’t recognise him. There was no intention to offend.” Singla responded, “I respect the Haryana Police and have no complaints. This was a misunderstanding.”

Responding to the political backlash, BJP leader Aman Chopra defended the party: “When your parties were in power, the treatment of officers was far worse. Now you’re talking about morale? The public knows everything.”