Kaithal, Haryana: A video of a public grievance redressal meeting in Kaithal went viral after Haryana Minister Anil Vij clashed with Superintendent of Police (SP) Upasana Yadav over a suspension order. The incident occurred on Friday, as residents raised concerns regarding alleged fraud by a sub-inspector in a land purchase case.
Minister Vij, who oversees the Energy, Transport, and Labour portfolios in Haryana, ordered the immediate suspension of the accused officer. The Kaithal SP, Upasana Yadav, explained that the officer in question was posted in Kurukshetra, placing the jurisdiction to suspend him with the SP of Kurukshetra or the state Director General of Police (DGP).
The disagreement escalated, with Vij repeatedly instructing Yadav to write to the DGP stating that he had given the suspension orders. “I am saying it. Suspend him. You just have to execute my orders,” Vij was heard saying, while Yadav calmly insisted that she did not have the authority to carry out the suspension herself.
Amid the exchange, supporters applauded the minister, prompting further tension between administrative protocol and political authority. The meeting concluded with Yadav agreeing to forward the request to the DGP for action.
Minister Vij Clarifies His Position
After the incident, Vij stated, “We are here to work for the public. All of us are here for that. Our objective is to ensure people get justice.” He clarified that he was not asking the SP to suspend the officer personally but to communicate his instructions to the person with the requisite authority.
About Upasana Yadav
Upasana Yadav is a 2017-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre. She is currently serving as the Superintendent of Police of Kaithal district, a post she has held twice, first from September 2023 to August 2024 and again from late 2025.
Early Life and Education
- Hometown: Nangal Mundi, Rewari district, Haryana
- Academic Achievements: Secured 1st rank in Haryana matriculation exams; alumnus of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
- Family Background: Father is an academician
Career and Achievements
- UPSC: Cleared Civil Services Examination with All India Rank (AIR) 596 and OBC category rank 95
Previous Roles:
- Sales Tax Inspector in Gurugram
- Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Hisar
Focus Areas: Law and order, women’s safety, anti-drug initiatives, zero-tolerance approach toward corruption
Upasana Yadav emphasizes disciplined study and preparation as the key to success in the UPSC exam, recommending six to eight hours of focused daily preparation.
Significance of the Viral Video
The Kaithal incident highlights the occasional tension between elected officials and administrative officers in India. While political leaders direct policy and governance priorities, IPS officers ensure that legal and jurisdictional protocols are observed. Upasana Yadav’s measured response demonstrated adherence to protocol while respecting the minister’s instructions.
