Controversy Erupts Over Ghaziabad Cop’s ‘Nationality Machine’

New Delhi, January 5, 2026: A storm of public criticism has been directed toward the Ghaziabad Police following the emergence of a viral video involving a high-ranking officer and residents of a local slum. On January 1, 2026, footage began circulating which depicted a Station House Officer (SHO) allegedly intimidating a family by claiming to possess a device that could detect illegal immigrants. The incident, which took place in the Kaushambi area, has sparked a heated debate regarding police conduct and the use of psychological pressure during routine security checks.

The ‘Smartphone Scan’ Viral Moment

The controversy centers on Ajay Kumar Sharma, the SHO of Kaushambi police station, who was observed performing a “scan” on a resident’s back using a smartphone. In the clip, the officer is heard asking an elderly man, “Are you from Bangladesh? The machine shows that you are, doesn’t it?” Despite the man’s repeated assertions that he is a native of Araria, Bihar, and has lived in Ghaziabad since 1987, the officer appeared to use the device as a “lie detector” to undermine his claims. This display of “technological bluffing” has been widely ridiculed on social media as a mockery of actual investigative procedures.

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Psychological Tactics vs. Official Protocol

In the wake of the backlash, the Ghaziabad Police were observed issuing a clarification regarding the officer’s methods. It was stated by senior officials that no such “nationality detection machine” exists and that the officer was merely employing a “psychological trick” to elicit the truth. SHO Sharma defended his actions by claiming he had used similar pressure tactics while questioning suspects in custody and thought it would be effective during the “area domination exercise.” However, this justification has been met with skepticism by civil rights activists who argue that such tactics target vulnerable communities and violate established protocols of dignity.

Strict Warning and Formal Inquiry Ordered

The administrative response to the video was swift, as DCP (Trans-Hindon) Nimish Patil confirmed that a formal inquiry has been initiated. On January 2, 2026, a strict warning was issued to SHO Ajay Kumar Sharma, and the case was assigned to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of the Indirapuram circle for a detailed investigation. It was reiterated by the police commissionerate that while area domination is a standard procedure for maintaining law and order—especially during festive periods—the behavior exhibited in the video was unauthorized and must not be repeated.

Political Backlash and Demands for Justice

The incident has also taken a political turn, with opposition leaders such as Asaduddin Owaisi and the Congress party condemning the “communal bias” and “hatred” allegedly visible in the footage. Demands for suo motu cognisance by the High Court have been heard, as critics argue that such videos damage the reputation of the state’s law enforcement. For the family involved, including 76-year-old Mohammad Saddique, the encounter was described as a deeply humiliating experience that questioned their identity as Indian citizens despite decades of residence in the city.