Bhopal: A controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after the state’s Indian Police Service (IPS) Officers Association strongly condemned “undignified remarks” made by BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi against a police officer. The association termed the remarks “unbecoming” of an elected representative and demanded strict action against the legislator.
In an official press release, the association expressed serious concern over what it described as “reprehensible behavior” by the MLA towards Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Ayush Jhakar, currently posted in Karera of Shivpuri district.
IPS Association Flags ‘Demoralising Conduct’
The IPS body stated that such conduct by elected representatives could severely impact the morale of police officers working on the ground.
“The remarks made were not only inappropriate but also demoralising for officers discharging their duties,” the association noted, adding that public representatives are expected to uphold dignity in their interactions with officials.
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The association also objected to alleged remarks made by the MLA concerning the police officer’s family, calling them unacceptable and crossing the line of professional decorum.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The controversy stems from a video call made by Pritam Lodhi that went viral on social media. In the clip, the MLA is purportedly heard challenging SDOP Ayush Jhakar over the alleged restriction on his son’s entry into Karera.
He was heard saying, “Do you think Karera is your daddy’s area?”—a remark that drew sharp criticism from the police fraternity.
However, the police officer reportedly denied issuing any such order restricting the MLA’s son.
Objections
The IPS Association, in its official communication, has stated that the use of such language by an elected representative is inconsistent with democratic norms. The key points highlighted by the Association are:
- Impact on morale: The Association noted that such conduct undermines the neutrality of the administrative system and negatively affects the morale of police personnel.
- Breach of dignity: It emphasized that public representatives are expected to maintain restraint and uphold the dignity of public life, which, it said, was compromised in this instance.
- Call for action: Condemning the incident strongly, the Madhya Pradesh IPS Association has called for appropriate action to be taken in the matter.
Incident Linked to Road Accident Case
According to sources, the exchange is linked to an incident involving the MLA’s son, Dinesh Lodhi, who was allegedly involved in a car accident that left five people injured.
In another viral video, Dinesh was reportedly heard saying, “I was honking, why didn’t they move away,” further fuelling public outrage around the incident.
IPS Body to Approach Chief Minister
Sources indicated that the Madhya Pradesh IPS Association is planning to meet Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to formally convey the concerns and sentiments of its members.
The development signals a growing confrontation between the police establishment and political leadership over issues of conduct and respect towards public servants.
Call for Accountability
The IPS Association has urged appropriate action against the MLA, emphasizing that maintaining institutional dignity and mutual respect between elected representatives and civil servants is essential for effective governance.
The incident has sparked wider debate over the conduct of public representatives and the need to safeguard the professional integrity of law enforcement officers.
