Legal Notice Sent to Haryana DGP Over Controversial “Thar Owners” Remark — 15 Days Given to Apologize

Gurugram: A controversy has erupted in Haryana after DGP O.P. Singh’s remarks targeting owners of Mahindra Thar and Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles. A Thar owner has served a legal notice to the DGP, terming his statement “insulting and derogatory,” and has demanded a public apology within 15 days.

DGP Faces Legal Heat Over Comment

During a visit to Gurugram on November 8, the Haryana DGP reportedly said that police would not check all vehicles but “only Thar and Bullet riders,” adding that “all criminals travel in Thars and Bullets.”
This statement sparked outrage, particularly among vehicle owners.

Sector-102 resident Sarvo Mitra, who owns a Thar, sent the legal notice through his lawyer, stating that the DGP’s words have caused him “public embarrassment, ridicule, and mental stress.”

“Became a Subject of Mockery,” Says Complainant

In the notice, Mitra mentioned that he purchased his Thar in January 2023.
He alleged that after the DGP’s controversial remarks, he has been mocked and taunted by friends, neighbours, and relatives.

The video of the DGP’s statement went viral across news and social media platforms, further escalating the issue.
According to Mitra, the remark has made him hesitant to drive his Thar publicly as people associate the vehicle with criminal behaviour due to the DGP’s comments.

Lawyer: “Every Thar Owner Is Aggrieved”

Mitra’s lawyer, Vedant Sharma, stated that a large number of Thar vehicles are registered in Haryana and that every owner has been affected by the DGP’s statement.
He added that the remark has created a negative stereotype about Thar drivers, which is unacceptable.

Demand for Public Apology

The notice demands that DGP O.P. Singh issue a public apology within 15 days, failing which legal action will be initiated.

Earlier, the DGP had remarked:
“All criminals travel in Thars and Bullets. A person’s choice of vehicle reflects their mindset… Whoever buys a Thar tends to do stunts; their mind is not stable.”

The comment has drawn strong reactions from vehicle owners and citizens, with many calling it an irresponsible generalization by a senior police officer.