Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij, Kaithal SP face-off over suspension order

A meeting of the District Grievance Redressal Committee in Kaithal witnessed a public confrontation between Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij and Kaithal SP Upasana over the suspension of an ASI.

The clash occurred while the minister was hearing a complaint related to an alleged land fraud case. A video of the exchange went viral on social media. This is not the first time tensions have surfaced between the two. On November 15 last year, during a similar meeting, Vij had expressed displeasure over alleged inaction by the police.

On Friday, the complainant alleged that an ASI had cheated him in a land deal and that the case was later transferred to Karnal. In the viral clip, he is heard saying: “Action should be taken, sir. When the matter belongs here and action can be taken here, why shift it?”

Reacting sharply, Vij said, “I am ordering action against the policeman. Also mention clearly that he will remain suspended during the inquiry. He has tried to influence the case.” He further directed that a case be registered against the ASI.

“Suspend the policeman,” Vij said, seeking immediate compliance.

However, SP Upasana responded that she did not have the authority to suspend the ASI as he was posted in Kurukshetra district. She maintained that the power to suspend rested with the Kurukshetra SP.

“What do you mean you don’t have the power? When I am saying suspend him,” Vij questioned. As the exchange escalated, he reportedly told the SP to leave the meeting if she lacked the authority and directed her to write to the DGP regarding the suspension.

Despite repeated instructions, the SP maintained, “Sir, I do not have the power.” Vij then asked her to record that the suspension had been ordered by him. She agreed to write to the DGP accordingly, reiterating that the officer was posted in another district. Deputy Commissioner Aparajita later intervened to restore order.

Earlier in the meeting, Vij directed registration of an FIR against a junior engineer over bribery allegations. Of the 15 complaints taken up, nine were pending and six new.

On a complaint of financial irregularities in works executed over three-and-a-half years by the Rajound Municipal Committee, Vij ordered a probe by the Haryana Vigilance Department. In another case involving illegal borewell connections in a housing scheme colony in Village Pai, he ordered an inquiry committee under the ADC and sought a report at the next meeting. He also directed recovery of Marriage Shagun Scheme benefits from an ineligible beneficiary.

While hearing a complaint from Neetu Maun of Rishi Nagar regarding her brother’s murder, Vij spoke to the Home Secretary and sought expeditious action on Kaithal Police’s request for a CBI probe. He directed weekly review of the investigation until the CBI formally takes over.

In a separate cheating case involving a youth from Malkhedi village allegedly duped of lakhs on the pretext of being sent abroad, Vij ordered change of investigating officer and immediate arrest of the accused, whose bail plea had been rejected. He also directed that the commission agent concerned be summoned and included in the probe.

Clashes between Vij and officials are not new. In 2015, he had a high-profile argument with then Fatehabad SP Sangeeta Kalia, even asking her to leave a meeting. When she refused, the minister stormed out, vowing never to attend a meeting in her presence. Kalia was later transferred.