An unusual incident occurred at the Bahadurgarh police station in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, where Chanchal Kumar visited to report a lost phone. Instead of immediately addressing his complaint, officers offered him a choice between a kilogram of Balushahi or Jalebi. Kumar, after realizing that his phone was likely lost for good, agreed to the sweet treat in exchange for assistance. He went to a nearby shop and purchased a kilogram of Jalebis to fulfill the officers’ unusual request.
The saying “Chhota dukh chori, bada dukh thana,” which translates to “theft is a minor issue compared to dealing with the police,” rang true for Kumar. The incident reflects broader concerns about police conduct in Uttar Pradesh, where recent cases have highlighted problematic practices. For example, Sub-inspector Ram Kripal Singh faced suspension for demanding “potatoes” as a bribe, a term used as a code for illicit payments. Additionally, Manish Kumar Prajapati, a policeman in Mau district, was suspended for asking for a cooler and ₹6,000 from a complainant’s wife, accompanied by allegations of abuse.
These incidents underscore a troubling pattern of misconduct among police officers in Uttar Pradesh, prompting both public and media scrutiny.
