The policeman questions the driver about his religion and links his actions to ‘disloyalty’, raising concerns over conduct within public institutions
MUMBAI — A viral video from Maharashtra has sparked controversy after a traffic policeman was heard making remarks about a truck driver’s religious identity during an argument, prompting criticism and raising questions about professional conduct within law enforcement agencies.
The video, which has been widely shared on social media, shows a confrontation between a truck driver and a traffic policeman during a roadside inspection.
According to the footage, the driver had switched on his mobile phone camera while interacting with the officers. The video appears to show some police personnel with their faces partially covered, while the driver records the encounter and questions their actions.
As the exchange became heated, one of the policemen asked the driver whether he was a Muslim and accused him of engaging in what he described as “gaddari”, or disloyal behaviour.
The remarks have generated debate online, with many social media users questioning why a person’s religion was brought into an official interaction involving traffic enforcement.
The truck driver involved in the incident was later identified as Shyamlal Rao, a resident of Rajasthan.
According to Rao, he was surprised by the officer’s comments because he is a Hindu and had not raised any issue related to religion during the interaction.
In the video, the officer is heard saying, “Are you a Muslim? You must be one.”
Rao responded by stating that he was from Rajasthan and belonged to the Jat community.
He then questioned why religion had become part of the discussion.
According to the video, the officer allegedly replied that if Rao were a Hindu, he would not behave in such a manner and accused him of acting improperly.
The exchange quickly attracted attention on social media, where users from different backgrounds expressed concern over the remarks.
Many commentators argued that government officials should treat all citizens equally, regardless of religion and avoid comments that could be interpreted as discriminatory.
The situation reportedly de-escalated after a senior police officer intervened.
Speaking to the senior officer, Rao complained about the conduct of the traffic policeman and objected to the religious remarks.
“I am a Jat from Rajasthan,” Rao said in the video. “They behaved improperly with me. After I objected, he said I was a Muslim and that a Hindu would not behave like this. What does religion have to do with this?”
Rao further questioned whether a government employee should make comments based on a person’s faith.
“You are government employees. You cannot do this,” he told the officers, while reportedly demanding an apology from the traffic constable involved in the dispute.
According to reports, the senior officer spoke to both sides and helped resolve the immediate confrontation.
However, the incident has continued to attract public attention because of the alleged religious nature of the remarks.
Civil rights advocates and legal observers say that public officials are expected to carry out their duties impartially and avoid statements that may create the impression of bias or discrimination.
The viral video has also reignited wider discussions about communal attitudes and the responsibilities of government employees when dealing with members of the public.
At the time of reporting, it was not immediately clear whether any departmental inquiry had been initiated against the officer concerned.
Police authorities have also not publicly released a statement regarding the incident or verified the full circumstances surrounding the exchange captured in the video.
As the footage continues to circulate online, many are calling for a fair examination of the incident and stressing the importance of ensuring that official conduct remains free from religious prejudice.
The controversy has once again highlighted the sensitivity of communal issues in public life and the need for professionalism, accountability and equal treatment in interactions between citizens and state authorities.
