A video from Balrampur district in Chhattisgarh has sparked widespread criticism after it showed the wife of a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) celebrating her birthday on the bonnet of an official vehicle equipped with a blue beacon. The footage, which quickly went viral on social media, led to public outrage and a formal police investigation.
The video shows the woman sitting on the bonnet of a Mahindra XUV700, reportedly the DSP’s vehicle, while cutting a birthday cake. Several other women, believed to be friends, are seen leaning dangerously out of the vehicle’s doors and sunroof during the celebration. The incident is said to have occurred near a hotel in Ambikapur.
Authorities confirmed that the driver of the vehicle, a woman who appeared to be part of the group, has been booked under multiple sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. These include Section 177, which imposes a fine of ₹500 for minor traffic violations; Section 184, which allows a ₹1,000 fine or up to one year in jail for reckless driving; and Section 281, which includes penalties for endangering public safety, carrying a ₹1,000 fine or a maximum of six months’ imprisonment.
The Saragwan police have launched an inquiry and stated that further action will be taken based on the violations seen in the video.
The Congress party in Chhattisgarh criticized the incident, calling it a display of irresponsible behavior by those connected to public office, and raised concerns over the misuse of official privileges and potential threats to public safety.
