RAIPUR, July 5: The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of a viral video showing the wife of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) celebrating her birthday while seated on the bonnet of an official vehicle fitted with a blue beacon light.
The video, which triggered public outrage for misuse of a government-marked vehicle, has prompted the court to seek a formal explanation from the state’s Chief Secretary.
A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha initiated proceedings and directed the Chief Secretary to submit an affidavit detailing the actions taken so far by the police administration. The next hearing is scheduled for a week later.
The incident is linked to DSP Taslim Arif, currently posted with the 12th Battalion in Balrampur district. The viral footage appears to show his wife posing on the bonnet of a beacon equipped private vehicle outside a hotel in Ambikapur, while celebrating her birthday. The display of apparent disregard for official protocol sparked criticism across social media platforms and local news outlets.
Following the public backlash, a case was registered against an unidentified driver under Sections 177 (furnishing false information), 184 (dangerous driving), and 281 (obstructing public way) of the Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicles Act. The identity of the individual driving or facilitating the event remains unclear.
It is noteworthy that a similar incident had been registered by the police on January 29, where a man was seen blocking a public road and bursting firecrackers during a birthday celebration. The repetition of such violations has raised serious concerns over the enforcement of traffic and administrative norms. The High Court’s directive now places the onus on the state government to demonstrate concrete steps taken to address the misuse of official symbols and maintain public order.
(UNI)
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