A video featuring a senior Delhi Police officer has gone viral on social media, drawing sharp reactions from the public and netizens. In the clip, Mr. Abhishek Dhania, currently posted as Deputy Commissioner of Police (East District), is seen referring to notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi as ‘Sahab’ during a press conference, sparking a flurry of online criticism and public curiosity.
The statement has triggered widespread discussions around protocol, police sensitivity in public communications, and perceptions of fear or unintended respect towards criminals.
The Press Conference That Went Viral
The incident took place during a press conference organized to brief the media on an extortion case involving Rs. 25 lakh, in which three accused had been arrested. While addressing the press, Mr. Dhania responded to a question stating:
“I cannot certify anything about it right now, but Lawrence Bishnoi Sahab’s name was taken in the message and call.”
This reference to a wanted gangster using the term ‘Sahab’ (a respectful Hindi honorific) stunned both reporters and viewers, giving rise to speculation—was this a slip of the tongue, or something more troubling?
The video, now widely circulated on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram, has left many users questioning the underlying reasons behind such language. Some users are tagging the IPS Association, demanding clarity and accountability.
Who is Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi?
Lawrence Bishnoi is a high-profile gangster known for his alleged involvement in a series of serious criminal activities, including the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala and threats issued to Bollywood actor Salman Khan and politician Baba Siddiqui. He leads a vast criminal syndicate with operations across multiple states and has become one of the most feared names in India’s underworld in recent years.
His notoriety is such that even indirect references from senior law enforcement officers now generate intense public and media scrutiny.
Profile: Who is IPS Officer Mr. Abhishek Dhania?
Mr. Abhishek Dhania is an IPS officer of the 2012 AGMUT cadre, born on January 14, 1982, in Delhi. An engineering graduate (BE in Computer Engineering), he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2011 and was appointed to the Indian Police Service.
He began his career on September 3, 2012, and has since held several key positions. As per official records:
- He served as SP in Goa Police before being transferred to Delhi.
- On January 1, 2024, he was appointed DCP East District, Delhi Police.
- Prior to this, he was DCP Traffic and then DCP North West.
Despite his impressive track record, the recent controversy has overshadowed his current tenure in the national capital.
Reactions to the viral video remain mixed. While some believe that Mr. Dhania’s use of ‘Sahab’ was an innocent slip, others see it as a potential sign of the criminal’s influence—even within administrative systems.
So far, no official clarification has been issued by Delhi Police or the IPS Association. However, the incident has reignited conversations about the need for cautious public communication by uniformed officers, especially when addressing issues involving high-profile criminals.
As public institutions face growing scrutiny, such moments—intentional or accidental—can quickly escalate into debates around professionalism, power dynamics, and public trust.
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