Haryana DGPs Notorious Mindset Remark on Thar, Bullet Owners Sparks Widespread Outrage
Haryana DGP O.P. Singh has ignited widespread outrage following his recent statement branding Thar SUVs and Bullet motorcycles as symbols of a "notorious mindset." Speaking in Gurugram, DGP Singh asserted that individuals driving such vehicles frequently engage in road stunts and use them for power displays, implying that the choice of vehicle reflects a specific mindset. He suggested that such vehicles "cannot be overlooked" by the police.
The top police officers comments, which included strong statements like "If its a Thar vehicle, whats the point of letting it go?" and "If its a Bullet motorcycle, all the hooligans ride this," have been criticised for stereotyping. Many view his remarks as equating vehicle ownership with criminal intent and branding young Thar owners as bullies.
IPS Gurinder Singh Dhillon, former ADGP Law and Order of Punjab, countered the DGPs stance, emphasising that "vehicles dont cause rash driving, mindsets do." Thar owners Pranav Sharma and Aaryan Choudhary also defended their choice of vehicle, highlighting their responsible usage and expressing frustration over being unfairly targeted by police due to vehicle type. The incident has intensified the debate on driver responsibility versus vehicle-based stereotyping in road safety enforcement.