Viral Video Leads to Action Against Inspector for Honoring Shastri

A police inspector in Raipur faced swift disciplinary consequences after a video capturing him touching the feet of spiritual leader Dhirendra Shastri at Raipur Airport went viral. The act, performed while the inspector was on duty, was deemed a breach of police service conduct and an affront to the uniform’s integrity. Manish Tiwari, the inspector, has been transferred to police lines as a result. The video reportedly shows Tiwari, who was the station in-charge at the time, saluting Shastri upon his arrival and then bending to touch his feet. This interaction was filmed and subsequently shared on social media platforms, sparking widespread discussion. Official sources confirmed that the inspector’s behavior violated service norms, emphasizing that personal reverence should not be displayed in a manner that compromises official duties or the dignity of the police force. The disciplinary action aims to reinforce the principle that law enforcement officers must maintain professional detachment, especially when interacting with public figures, regardless of their personal respect or admiration. Shastri, a prominent religious figure, was in the city for a public religious event.