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Police Reel: A short video recorded inside a police station in Jharkhand has sparked a broader discussion about professional boundaries within public service. Shot on Republic Day, the clip shows a uniformed police officer dancing with his wife on official premises. As the video circulated widely on social media, it prompted questions about decorum, accountability, and the standards expected of law enforcement personnel while on duty.

Video Recorded at Police Station Premises

According to officials, the video was filmed at the Hussainabad Police Station in Palamu district. The officer featured in the reel was identified as Inspector Sonu Choudhary, who was posted at the station at the time. The footage shows the officer in full uniform, accompanied by his wife, as the two perform a dance routine within the station compound.

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At one moment in the video, the officer is seen placing his police cap on his wife’s head. While the clip appears informal and celebratory, its setting and timing quickly drew scrutiny, given that it was recorded at a government workplace during official hours.

Online Reaction and Public Criticism

The reel drew mixed reactions online, though criticism dominated the conversation. Several social media users questioned whether the officer’s actions were appropriate for someone holding a position of authority. Comments ranged from sarcastic remarks about making videos at home to direct questions about whether official duties were being taken seriously.

As the video continued to gain traction, the focus shifted from the content itself to the broader issue of discipline within the police force and the message such visuals send to the public.

Departmental Action Following Viral Clip

Following the backlash, the Palamu district police administration initiated disciplinary measures. Inspector Choudhary was removed from his position, and Chandan Kumar was appointed as his replacement at Hussainabad Police Station. The decision was confirmed by Palamu Superintendent of Police Reeshma Ramesan.

Senior officials stated that the action was taken after the video was reviewed by higher authorities. The Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Palamu range reportedly initiated the proceedings, categorising the incident as a case of indiscipline and misconduct.

Rules on Filming Inside Police Stations

Police sources noted that recording videos or creating social media content within police station premises is strictly prohibited. These restrictions are in place to maintain confidentiality, security, and professional standards. Officials emphasised that such rules apply even more strongly to officers of senior rank, particularly those serving as station in-charges.

Authorities also indicated that the issue was compounded by allegations that the reel was shared publicly on social media platforms, further amplifying its reach and impact.

Background of Inspector Sonu Choudhary

Inspector Sonu Choudhary is a member of the 2012 police batch and was promoted to the rank of Inspector in 2024. Before his posting at Hussainabad, he served as the in-charge of Chainpur Police Station, also in Palamu district.

The Hussainabad region lies close to the Bihar border along the Son River and has historically been considered sensitive due to past Naxalite activity and other law-and-order challenges. Officials highlighted that officers posted in such areas are expected to adhere strictly to conduct guidelines.

Similar Incident in Chandigarh

This is not the first time a social media video involving police personnel has resulted in disciplinary action. In March last year, Chandigarh Police suspended senior constable Ajay Kundu after a video of his wife dancing on a zebra crossing went viral. The incident reportedly caused traffic disruption at Sector-20’s Gurdwara Chowk.

The video was said to have been recorded shortly after a family visit to a nearby temple. Authorities in that case cited public inconvenience and misuse of public space as reasons for the suspension.

Ongoing Debate on Social Media Use by Officials

Incidents like these have reignited discussions about the appropriate use of social media by government employees. While personal expression is not restricted outside duty hours, officials stress that uniformed personnel must maintain professionalism at all times, particularly within official premises.

As digital platforms continue to blur the lines between private and public life, police departments across the country are increasingly reinforcing conduct rules to protect institutional integrity.