Punjab Police on Friday said that a show-cause notice was issued to the police personnel concerned for “a lapse in traffic discipline” two days after the state police’s pilot jeep, escorting a VIP, hit the car of Lt General D S Hooda (retd) on the Zirakpur flyover.
The police, however, did not disclose the names of the driver of the escort vehicle and the VIP, who they said “is a Punjab Police protectee”.
On Friday, Additional DGP (Traffic) AS Rai wrote on X that the police personnel had been identified and was issued a show-cause notice. “Following the incident involving a Punjab Police escort vehicle on the Zirakpur-Ambala stretch, the following actions have been taken: SP (Traffic), SAS Nagar, and ASP, Zirakpur, met @LtGenHooda, apprised him of the facts, and assured a thorough inquiry and necessary action. The concerned Escort vehicle and the police personnel involved in the incident have been identified. Investigation and examination of CCTV footage reveals that due to heavy traffic, a gap developed between the protectee and the escort vehicle. While the Escort was trying to close this gap through a sharp overtaking manoeuvre, it led to minor contact with @LtGenHooda’s vehicle.”
“A show-cause notice has been issued to the concerned police personnel for lapse in traffic discipline, in addition to the SOP issued yesterday to all escort and pilot drivers to prevent the recurrence of such an incident in the future. Punjab Police remains committed to professional conduct, accountability, and public trust,” Rai added.
Rai told The Indian Express, “It was the convoy of a protectee, and the driver of the escort vehicle is a Punjab Police personnel. A show-cause notice has been issued to the driver, and the SOP has been issued for such employees.”
Refusing to name the driver or the protectee, Rai said, “All that matters is it should not be repeated. Action is being taken, and DGP Gaurav Yadav has already issued a SOP for such personnel.”
After Rai’s post on X, Hooda also took to X on Friday, stating, “Met your two extremely professional and courteous officers yesterday. My only request is not to underplay the deliberately provocative behaviour of the driver. Everyone will be better served by it. This is my last communication on this matter.”
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On Wednesday, Hooda, who served as the Northern Army Commander during the 2016 surgical strike, posted on X, “At 4 pm, driving with my wife on the Zirakpur flyover. Two Punjab Police jeeps escorting a VIP towards Ambala come from behind with sirens blaring. Slowed the vehicle to let the first vehicle pass, the VIP vehicle perhaps took three additional seconds to pass because there was heavy traffic. Angered, the rear escort jeep, while overtaking from the left, deliberately cut sharply right, hitting the front of my car and then sped off. It was clearly a deliberate act, not only damaging the car, but with no concern for our personal safety on a very crowded road. The arrogance and impunity of someone who is supposed to be a guardian of the law soil the uniform and reputation of the organisation. Hope @BhagwantMann and @DGPPunjabPolice take note.”
On Thursday, DGP Gaurav Yadav wrote on X, “We deeply regret the distress and concern caused to you and your wife due to this unfortunate incident. Such behaviour, if established, is completely unacceptable and contrary to the values of professionalism and public service that the Punjab Police stands for. I have personally discussed the matter with Spl. DGP Traffic AS Rai, and directions have been issued to identify the vehicles and personnel involved. Please be assured that the matter is being taken seriously and appropriate action will be initiated to ensure accountability.”
DGP Yadav issued an SOP for the police personnel on Thursday: “A recent social media post has brought to notice an incident involving an escort vehicle on the Zirakpur-Ambala stretch. Punjab Police, being a professional force, has a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct, as its duty is not just to protect threatened persons but also to uphold public dignity, safety, and confidence on the roads. VIP protection is a high-responsibility assignment demanding discipline, patience, and respect for citizens. Strong security apparatus and respectful conduct must go hand in hand.
“Issuing guidelines for immediate adherence to traffic rules during non-emergency movements, compliance with road safety norms, facilitation of smooth movement while ensuring minimal disturbance to public traffic.
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“Professional conduct with courtesy to be maintained throughout the road journey with the protectee; utmost patience and restraint shall be exercised under all circumstances; any incidents are to be reported immediately by the escort in charge, and mandatory briefing by all districts to escort, pilot, and traffic staff within 48 hours of protocol and courteous conduct on the road.”
Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India.
Professional Background
Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state.
Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions.
Special Projects:
Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship.
Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025)
Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government:
1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs
"Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA.
"Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor.
"Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas.
2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls
"Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections.
"AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections.
"Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership.
3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy
"Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government.
"Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP.
4. Welfare & Economy
"Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program.
"Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025).
Signature Beat
Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens.
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