Mau, Dec 17: A video showing a police officer questioning a young girl and her brother in a public park has gone viral, drawing widespread criticism and triggering a debate on policing limits and personal freedoms.

The incident occurred near the Sheetla Temple park in Mau district, where Manju Singh, Station House Officer (SHO) of the Mahila thana, was conducting a women’s safety awareness drive. Singh stopped a teenage boy and a minor girl, later confirmed to be siblings, and questioned them about their relationship. She asked the girl for her father’s phone number to verify their identities.

Although the father confirmed over the phone that the two were siblings, Singh continued to express doubt and advised the girl not to roam without a guardian. She also instructed the father not to send his children out unaccompanied. The remarks, captured on camera, triggered strong backlash online, with many accusing the officer of engaging in unnecessary moral policing under the guise of women’s safety.

The video quickly spread across social media platforms, including X, leading to heated discussions on the boundaries of police authority and individual rights. Critics argued that such unsolicited advice undermines public trust and reflects an overreach of official duties.

Responding to the controversy, Additional Superintendent of Police Anup Kumar clarified that no legal offense had been committed. He announced Singh’s transfer and emphasized that officers must not act beyond their jurisdiction. “Some personnel assume a moral responsibility and issue unsolicited instructions. Even couples in public places cannot be stopped without valid grounds. Police across the district will be sensitized, and a warning will be issued from my office,” Kumar said.

Officials confirmed that the boy was an adult, while the girl was a minor, accompanied by their cousin from Ghazipur during the park visit. The incident has reignited discussions on balancing women’s safety initiatives with respect for personal freedoms, highlighting the need for clear boundaries in policing practices.

(The article was compiled by Aditi Majhi)