“I have given the time and location of the incident, so they should be able to identify. Obviously, the identification shouldn’t take so long,” Former Northern Command Army Commander Lieutenant General D.S. Hooda said. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
A day after a car driven by retired Lieutenant General D.S. Hooda, who led the 2016 surgical strikes, was allegedly hit by a Punjab Police escort vehicle at Zirakpur in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district, the Police on Thursday (November 13, 2025) issued stringent directives to all VIP escort personnel, even as the Police is yet to publicly disclose the identity of the alleged escort vehicle.
On November 12, Mr. Hooda alleged that one of two Punjab Police jeeps escorting a VIP had hit his car and then sped off on the ‘Zirakpur flyover’. After this, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav issued directions to identify the vehicles and personnel involved, assuring the matter was being taken seriously.
On Thursday (November 13), the Police said they were working on the case and had met Mr. Hooda in this regard. “Yes, we have met him, and we are working on it,” Harmandeep Singh Hans, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for S.A.S Nagar, told The Hindu, replying to questions surrounding the current status of the case and about identification of the vehicle involved.
Mr. Hooda confirmed that the Police met him. “I have given the time and location of the incident, so they should be able to identify. Obviously, the identification shouldn’t take so long. I am sure by now they would be knowing it. I have asked them to share what action they have taken. I will wait for their response. I hope they will revert as soon as possible,” Mr. Hooda told The Hindu.
Meanwhile, pointing out a zero tolerance policy towards misconduct, DGP Yadav said the Punjab police duty is not just to protect threatened persons but also to uphold public dignity, safety, and confidence on the roads. “VIP protection is a high-responsibility assignment demanding discipline, patience, and respect for citizens. Strong security apparatus and respectful conduct must go hand in hand,” he said.
The DGP issued directions to all concerned police personnel for immediate compliance, which includes adherence to traffic rules and regulations during non-emergency movements, facilitation of smooth movement ensuring minimal disturbance to public traffic, and professional conduct with courtesy to be maintained throughout the road journey with the protectee. It also added that “utmost patience and restraint shall be exercised under all circumstances.” among other directions.
Published – November 14, 2025 01:23 am IST
