Haryana Minister Anil Vij Clashes with Woman SP Over Cop Suspension

A tense exchange between Haryana minister Anil Vij and a senior woman police officer during a grievance redressal committee meeting in Kaithal has sparked widespread attention after a video of the incident circulated widely on social media. The confrontation occurred when the minister directed the suspension of a police official in connection with a land-related complaint, but the officer declined to execute the order citing jurisdictional limitations.

The incident took place on Friday during a public grievance hearing chaired by Vij, who holds the portfolios of energy, labour, and transport. During the proceedings, a local resident raised allegations against an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) in a land dispute matter. Responding to the complaint, the minister instructed Kaithal Superintendent of Police Upasana to suspend the ASI.

The officer, however, clarified that she did not have the authority to carry out the suspension because the ASI was posted in a neighbouring district. She explained that the suspension order would have to be issued by the Superintendent of Police of Kurukshetra, the jurisdiction where the officer was serving.

Her response triggered a visible display of anger from the minister, who insisted that his directive be implemented. He asserted that his orders carried authority across the state and instructed her to execute the decision. The officer maintained that while she could formally communicate the directive, she did not have the legal power to suspend the officer herself.

During the exchange, Vij directed the officer to write to the Director General of Police (DGP), conveying that he had ordered the suspension during the grievance meeting. The officer agreed to forward the communication but reiterated that the authority to suspend remained with the appropriate district leadership.

As tensions escalated, Kaithal Deputy Commissioner Aparajita intervened, clarifying that the officer was only highlighting procedural limitations rather than refusing to act. The minister reiterated that the directive should be conveyed to the DGP and expressed confidence that it would be acted upon.

The complainant present at the meeting also expressed frustration, alleging that similar responses had been given previously.

The episode has revived discussion around administrative procedures, jurisdictional authority, and the balance between political directives and policing protocols. Anil Vij has previously been involved in public disagreements with officials during grievance hearings, including disputes over police procedures and complaint handling.

The viral video has intensified public debate on governance practices, the functioning of grievance redressal mechanisms, and the importance of adherence to legal and administrative protocols in law enforcement decisions.