'File A Case If They Film Inside Police Station': Meerut DSP's Controversial Audio Goes Viral

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 15:41 IST

A viral audio of Meerut DSP Soumya Asthana suggested journalists filming the police station be booked. SSP clarifies the instructions were for ‘portal owners’, not media

The Meerut police in Uttar Pradesh are making headlines for controversial reasons. A dispute has emerged regarding video recording inside the police station, following a viral audio clip of DSP Soumya Asthana.

In the 29-second clip, DSP Asthana is heard instructing that anyone making videos in the station should have a case filed against them. The audio quickly went viral, putting the police department on its back foot.

SSP Clarifies Intent

SSP Avinash Pandey stepped in to clarify the matter. He stated that DSP Soumya Asthana’s instructions were not directed at journalists, but rather at certain portal operators creating unnecessary videos.

Legally, a police station is not considered a restricted area, and there is no ban on media making videos within its premises.

Viral Audio Sparks Debate

The audio of Brahmpuri area officer Soumya Asthana is circulating widely on social media. In it, she is heard directing her subordinates to file cases against anyone doing videography inside the station.

SSP Pandey reiterated that these instructions were aimed at portal operators, not media personnel, and there is no restriction for journalists.

What Does The Law Say?

According to the law:

• Media recording in police stations is not a violation of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) 1923.
• Courts have clarified that police stations do not qualify as ‘restricted places’ under Section 2(8) of the OSA.

However, care must be taken to ensure that recording does not interfere with police work.

So far, DSP Soumya Asthana has not issued any statement or clarification regarding the controversy.

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