Ghaziabad Cop Uses Device to ‘Test’ Man’s Nationality, Claims He Is ‘From Bangladesh’; Inquiry Ordered
January 2, 2026
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary, The Vagabond News
A video circulating on social media has triggered controversy after a police officer in Ghaziabad was seen using a handheld electronic device to purportedly “test” a man’s nationality and then asserting that the individual was “from Bangladesh.” The incident has prompted the Uttar Pradesh Police to order a formal inquiry into the officer’s conduct.
What the Video Shows
In the widely shared clip, the officer stops a man during what appears to be a routine street verification. The officer then places a small device near the man and claims the gadget can determine nationality. Moments later, he tells the man that the device indicates he is from Bangladesh. The video ends amid visible confusion and objections from the man, who insists he is an Indian citizen.
Civil rights advocates and legal experts quickly questioned both the scientific validity of such a device and the legality of using it in policing. No mainstream law enforcement agency in India officially recognizes any handheld instrument capable of determining a person’s nationality on the spot.
Police Response and Inquiry
Senior police officials in Ghaziabad acknowledged the video and said an internal inquiry has been initiated to establish the facts. According to officials, the officer has been asked to explain the circumstances under which the device was used, where it was procured from, and whether any official authorization existed for its deployment.
“The police force does not endorse or authorize any equipment that claims to identify nationality through electronic testing,” a senior officer said, adding that appropriate disciplinary action would follow if misconduct or procedural violations are established.
The officer has reportedly been moved off field duties pending the outcome of the inquiry, though authorities clarified that this is a precautionary measure and not a determination of guilt.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Legal experts note that nationality and citizenship are determined through documentary evidence and due legal process, not by electronic testing. The use of an unverified device, they argue, raises serious concerns about arbitrary profiling, harassment, and potential violations of constitutional rights.
“This incident underscores the dangers of pseudoscientific tools being used in law enforcement,” said a senior advocate practicing in the Allahabad High Court. “Any such action, if proven, would be wholly outside the law.”
Human rights groups have also weighed in, warning that incidents like this can disproportionately target migrant workers and marginalized communities, fostering fear and mistrust of the police.
Political and Public Reaction
The video sparked sharp reactions online, with many users questioning how such practices could occur in a professional police force. Opposition leaders demanded transparency and accountability, calling for clear guidelines to prevent similar incidents.
Government representatives, meanwhile, urged restraint until the inquiry concludes, emphasizing that the actions of one officer should not be seen as reflective of the entire force.
Broader Context
The incident comes at a time when law enforcement agencies across India are under increased scrutiny for their use of technology in policing. While digital tools such as facial recognition and biometric verification are being adopted in controlled and legally sanctioned environments, experts stress that any technology must be evidence-based, transparent, and compliant with constitutional safeguards.
Police officials reiterated that citizenship verification, when required, must follow established legal procedures, including document checks and coordination with relevant administrative authorities.
What Happens Next
The inquiry is expected to examine whether the device was a commercially available gadget, a personal item, or a prop misrepresented as a testing tool. Authorities will also assess whether the man involved was unlawfully detained or harassed.
Until the investigation concludes, senior police leadership has advised officers to strictly adhere to standard operating procedures during verification drives and avoid any unauthorized methods.
News by The Vagabond News
Source: The Indian Express
