Ghaziabad Police orders inquiry after video shows officer intimidating residents with ‘device to detect nationality’

The Ghaziabad Police ordered an inquiry on Friday (January 2, 2026) after a video went viral on social media showing a police officer placing what appears to be a smartphone on the back of a man and allegedly intimidating residents of a slum by claiming the device could determine if they are illegal immigrants.

“Are you Bangladeshi? The machine shows that you are, doesn’t it?” a police officer could be heard saying while the man stressed that he was from Araria district in Bihar.

The police officer is from the Kaushambi police station. The incident, occurred during what police called as a “routine area domination exercise”.

“An inquiry has been ordered, Assistant commissioner of police (ACP) of Indirapuram circle is investigating the matter,” said the District police in a statement.

The police said the drive was not aimed to verify nationality but a standard security procedure to verify individuals in temporary settlements and area domination exercises were proactive security operations conducted by police and armed forces to maintain law and order, boost public confidence, and prevent crime. “These involve intense patrolling (foot/vehicle), route marches, and checks in sensitive or high-risk areas to establish authority and ensure a peaceful environment,” the Ghaziabad Police added.

The Opposition Congress demanded the judiciary to take suo moto cognizance on the video and initiate action on the police officer. “We have no expectation from the state police and administration, that they will act on such officers assuch direction is coming from the top. These incidents have become a daily occurrence in Uttar Pradesh, hence the High Court should take action as the videos not only make mockery of the state but also a complete violation of rule of law,” said Ajay Rai, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief.