A retired Army Major has accused personnel of the Gurgaon Traffic Police of subjecting him and his family to harassment during a late-night drink-driving check, prompting a formal complaint and an official inquiry into the incident.
According to the complaint, retired Major Hemendra Singh, who was medically retired after sustaining injuries during a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir, alleged that he, his wife and their two young daughters were stopped by a traffic police team while returning home from dinner on Golf Course Road in Gurgaon over the weekend.
Singh claimed that the police initially recorded a high alcohol reading during a breathalyser test and immediately initiated action against him. However, he alleged that the test was conducted without replacing the mouthpiece or nozzle that had reportedly been used for another driver moments earlier. Questioning the procedure, he requested a fresh test with a new nozzle.
The former Army officer alleged that when he challenged the result and sought a retest, some officers behaved in an inappropriate manner and made derogatory remarks. He further claimed that one officer threatened him, saying, “I will take away your officer status,” after he insisted on a fair verification process.
According to Singh, subsequent retests conducted with a fresh nozzle produced alcohol readings of 13 mg/100 ml on both occasions, which were within the legally permissible limit. Despite the revised readings, he alleged that the family was not allowed to leave immediately and was made to remain on the roadside for nearly one and a half hours late into the night.
The retired Major said the prolonged delay caused distress to his two young daughters, who became frightened and reportedly cried for a considerable period. He further alleged that when he attempted to photograph the breathalyser reading as evidence, police personnel prevented him from doing so.
Frustrated by the situation, Singh claimed that he dialled the emergency helpline number 112 to seek assistance. He alleged that soon after the call was made, the traffic personnel present at the checkpoint left the location.
In his complaint to the Police Commissioner, Singh clarified that he was not seeking any special privilege because of his military background. Instead, he said he was demanding dignity, fairness and adherence to due process as a citizen.
The incident has attracted attention as it allegedly occurred despite existing directions from senior police authorities that vehicles carrying women, children and elderly persons should not be subjected to unnecessary inconvenience during routine checks.
Responding to the allegations, traffic police officials said the matter has been taken seriously. ACP Traffic Headquarters Satyapal confirmed that the complaint has been forwarded to the ACP Traffic East for an impartial inquiry.
Police officials stated that the investigation would examine all aspects of the incident, and appropriate action would be initiated if any personnel are found guilty of misconduct or procedural lapses.
The inquiry is expected to determine whether standard operating procedures were followed during the alcohol screening process and whether the conduct of the officers was in accordance with departmental guidelines.