Gurugram Police have launched action after a video allegedly showing a home guard demanding a Diwali 'gift' from a motorist went viral on social media, The CSR Journal reported on Monday.

Source: The CSR Journal

The footage, shared by Instagram user and content creator Vikas Dayal, shows the home guard stopping the car in which Dayal was travelling with his sister. The video begins with the home guard greeting Dayal with a handshake and wishing him a happy Diwali, before the conversation turned to a gift.

According to the reports, Dayal told the home guard he did not have his wallet with him and offered to pay through UPI, but the home guard reportedly refused UPI and explicitly asked for a 'Diwali gift'. Dayal and his sister offered a festive hamper kept in the car, but the home guard seemed dissatisfied and asked if they had anything better to offer, before letting them go after accepting the hamper.

LiveMint reported on Sunday that Gurugram Police were taking disciplinary action against the home guard, with ASI Sandeep Kumar telling the outlet about the action after the video surfaced. The CSR Journal reported that police clarified the individual in the footage was a home guard and not a regular police officer, and announced that a case would be registered against him under sections related to extortion.

Source: LiveMint via Biztoc

1home guard identified by Gurugram Police in the viral video
Zero toleranceGurugram Police position quoted on such conduct

Gurugram Police stated, as quoted in the reports: 'There is zero tolerance for such activities, and the strictest exemplary action will follow.' Police said the response was aimed at maintaining integrity within the ranks.

After the video circulated, users tagged Gurugram and Haryana Police on social media urging action, and the incident sparked a wider debate about misuse of authority by personnel on public duty and the need for accountability and oversight.

The case against the home guard is an allegation at this stage and will proceed through investigation and the legal process. Police had not, in the reports available on Monday, announced the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.