Gurugram Thar Owner Files Legal Notice Against Haryana DGP for Calling Owners "Crazy" - Vehicle Profiling Controversy Escalates

Haryana's top police official faced legal action after claiming all rogue elements drive Thar SUVs and Bullet motorcycles.

New Delhi:

A Gurugram resident who owns a Mahindra Thar has issued a legal notice to Haryana Director General of Police OP Singh demanding a public apology for his controversial remarks suggesting Thar owners are "crazy."

Sarvo Miter, residing in Sector 102 of Gurugram, has through his attorney demanded an unconditional written apology from the DGP and a retraction of his statements about Thar owners within 15 days. The notice warns that failure to comply will result in defamation proceedings against Haryana's senior-most police official.

The controversy stems from comments made by DGP Singh during a November 8 press conference where he explained police vehicle checking protocols. Singh stated that while they don't stop all vehicles, they specifically target Thar SUVs and Bullet motorcycles.

"If it's a Thar, how can we let it go? Or if it's a Bullet motorcycle... all rogue elements use these two. The choice of vehicle reflects your mindset. People who drive Thars perform stunts on the road," Singh remarked in Hindi during the briefing.

The police chief further elaborated that a case involving an assistant commissioner's son who allegedly ran someone over while driving a Thar demonstrated this pattern. "It's in his name, so he is the rogue element," Singh added.

Speaking to fellow officers, Singh continued his critique: "If we make a list of cops, how many will have a Thar? And whoever has it, he must be crazy ('dimaag ghuma hua hoga uska')... It's a statement. The Thar is not a car, it's a statement which says, 'this is how I am'. Okay then, suffer. You can't have it both ways. You can't indulge in hooliganism and then expect not to get caught."

These comments appear to reference increasing incidents involving Thars in stunts and road accidents.

In his legal notice, Miter stated he purchased his Thar in January 2023 for over Rs 30 lakh, specifically choosing it for its robust build quality, safety features, and reliable performance for daily transportation needs.

According to the notice, the DGP's comments had "no factual basis or justification" and were delivered in a mocking and insulting tone toward all Thar owners. The notice emphasized that as Haryana's top police official, Singh's words carry significant authority and influence, causing "grave and amplified damage" to the complainant's reputation.

The viral nature of the DGP's statements allegedly resulted in "extensive reputational damage and public ridicule" for Thar owners. Miter claims he faced uncomfortable confrontations from relatives, friends, neighbors, and guests following these remarks, leading to mental stress, loss of dignity, and damage to his personal and social standing.

Actor Gul Panag, herself a Thar driver and Royal Enfield rider, publicly defended enthusiasts of both vehicles following the controversy.

"Anecdotal generalisations don't help strengthen road safety. Thar and Bullet are iconic Indian brands admired for their capability and style, and disparaging them serves no purpose," Panag wrote on Instagram.

She added: "As someone who drives a Thar and rides a Bullet, I'm not slighted, I've never believed in judging a book by its cover. What truly makes laws effective is not stereotyping citizens, but ensuring a law-enforcement mechanism that inspires both respect for the law and a healthy fear of consequences. That is where our focus should be."