Jaipur- A serious caste-based controversy has erupted inside the Rajasthan Police Headquarters after a woman Superintendent of Police (SP) allegedly insulted her senior officer by making derogatory remarks about his promotion being due to reservation quotas. The incident occurred during an official high-level meeting on March 5, forcing the presiding Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) to intervene and ask the accused officer to leave the room.
According to the FIR lodged by the complainant, Director of Police Telecom Daulatram Atal (51), the meeting was held at around 4:30 PM in Room No. 206 of ADGP (Cyber Crime & Technical Services) V.K. Singh. The agenda was to discuss upgrades and improvements in police communication systems across seven districts, including those under Ajmer and Udaipur ranges.
Senior officers present included Dr. Hemraj Meena (SP), Rakesh Kumar Daka (SP), Madanlal (SP), Neetu Bugalia (SP, Telecom), Deputy Superintendents Praveen Sen and Avnish, and Sub-Inspector Ravindra, among others.
As per the complaint, Director Atal had been authorized by ADGP Singh to deliver a detailed presentation on the subject when SP Neetu Bugalia repeatedly interrupted him. She allegedly remarked in the presence of everyone: “Reservation ka Director hai… aap toh jaati ke aadhaar par promote hokar Director bane ho” (You are the reservation Director… you became Director only because of your caste-based promotion).
The complainant, a resident of D-92 East Tara Nagar, Jhotwara, Jaipur, stated that Bugalia was well aware of his caste background and continued to mock and disrupt his presentation despite multiple interruptions. When Atal objected and warned that he would file an FIR against her for the insult, she reportedly replied fearlessly in front of the ADGP: “Jaiye karwa do, maine aisi bahut FIR dekhi rakhi hain” (Go ahead and file it; I have seen many such FIRs).
The situation escalated to the point that ADGP V.K. Singh had to step in. Using measured and parliamentary language, he supported Atal by saying: “Inke kehne se kuch nahi hota… sarkar ne aapko Director Police Telecom banaya hai aur main aapko Director maanta hoon” (Her words do not define you… the government appointed you as Director Police Telecom and I recognize you as Director). He then directed Neetu Bugalia to leave the chamber and return to her designated place.
In his complaint, Atal alleged that the incident not only caused him grave personal humiliation in front of superiors and subordinates but also obstructed important government work, preventing him from completing his official presentation. He demanded lawful action against the accused officer.
Following the complaint, an FIR was registered at the Jyoti Nagar police station under Section 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace – and Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which deal with intentional insult or intimidation with intent to humiliate a member of SC/ST in any place within public view.
The investigation has been assigned to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Protocol), Devi Sahay Meena, Jaipur Police Commissionerate.
The episode has brought to the fore allegations of caste prejudice and workplace discrimination within the Rajasthan Police force, particularly in its technical and telecom wings where both officers serve. The probe could have significant implications for internal discipline and the force’s image on matters of equality and inclusivity.
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