After home guard takes Diwali gift from motorist, Haryana orders bodycams for traffic stops

Haryana Police has made the use of body-worn cameras compulsory during traffic challan proceedings after a home guard was arrested for allegedly extorting a Diwali gift hamper from a motorist. Police Commissioner Shibash Kabiraj issued the directions on Tuesday, warning that personnel stopping vehicles without cameras could face departmental action, as per a TOI report.

The move followed a video circulating on social media that purportedly showed the home guard, identified as Omkar, demanding a festive gift from a motorist and eventually leaving with a hamper. Police arrested him a day before Diwali following the incident.

An FIR was registered at DLF Phase 3 police station under Section 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with extortion. Omkar, a resident of Hilalpur village in Nuh district, was subsequently arrested.


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Haryana Police makes body cameras compulsory during challan proceedings

Under the new instructions, traffic personnel must use body-worn cameras while conducting challan proceedings. The police commissioner has warned that stopping vehicles without camera surveillance could invite departmental action.

The guidelines also make zonal officers (ZOs) and traffic inspectors (TIs) accountable for misconduct by personnel working under their supervision.

“Under the new guidelines, traffic cops will have to conduct challan proceedings under body-worn camera surveillance to ensure transparency and protect both motorists and police personnel. Departmental action will be taken if personnel stop vehicles without using a body-worn camera, according to the instructions,” an officer said.

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Traffic personnel will also be assigned through a random, computerised deployment system every 60 days. The measure is intended to prevent irregularities that could develop when officers remain posted at the same location for extended periods.

Supervisory officers will be held responsible if traffic police personnel, home guards or special police officers (SPOs) under their jurisdiction are found involved in illegal collections, extortion or other corrupt practices while on duty, the officer added.

CCTV monitoring and action against traffic police misconduct

ACP-rank officers posted in the police control room have been instructed to regularly monitor CCTV cameras and examine footage for suspicious activity or misconduct. They must ensure prompt action whenever an irregularity is detected.

The commissioner has also directed all deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) and assistant commissioners of police (ACPs) to meet personnel deployed on the ground and make it clear that corruption, negligence, illegal extortion and misconduct will not be tolerated.

Kabiraj said the police uniform represents public service and the protection of citizens, adding that any attempt to misuse it for personal or illegal gains would invite strict action.

Police have urged residents to report any illegal demand or extortion by police personnel or other employees on duty, assuring them that complaints would be addressed in accordance with the rules.

What happened in the viral video of the home guard demanding a Diwali gift?

The video, shared by Instagram user Vikas Dayal, showed the home guard greeting the motorist with a handshake before wishing him a happy Diwali. Vikas was seated in the driver's seat, accompanied by a woman he introduced as his sister. The personnel had stopped their vehicle and asked them to pull over to the roadside.

During the conversation, Vikas told the home guard that he was not carrying his wallet. He then introduced the woman to the personnel, who greeted her as well.

When Vikas asked if he could make a payment through UPI, the home guard allegedly rejected the option, saying that UPI would not work. He then asked for a Diwali gift.

Vikas and his sister offered him a festive hamper, but the home guard appeared dissatisfied and asked whether they had something better. Vikas maintained that the hamper was the best they had, while the personnel initially seemed reluctant to take it.

The exchange continued as the home guard began checking other packets inside the vehicle, apparently looking for another gift. Vikas objected to the demand, telling him that gifts were not something one could ask for.

The home guard responded that gifts were meant to be asked for and continued looking through the packets before eventually leaving with one of the festive hampers.

After driving away, Vikas reacted to the incident by calling it bad.