During a media interaction on 9th November, Haryana DGP OP Singh outlined the procedures followed during vehicle checks, emphasizing that officials must remain polite while carrying them out. In the same meeting, the Haryana DGP remarked, "If it's a Thar, how can we let it go? Or if it's a Bullet motorcycle... all rogue elements use these two. The choice of vehicle reflects your mindset. People who drive Thars perform stunts on the road. The son of an assistant commissioner of police ran over someone while driving a Thar. He wants his son freed, and we asked him whose name the car is registered in. It's in his name, so he is the rogue element," Singh said in Hindi.
The Haryana DGP's comments, seemingly made in a light-hearted tone, appear to be linked to rising reports of Mahindra Thars being misused for stunts. Incidents have ranged from people sitting on top of the SUV and students falling off while attempting the same, to crashes caused by standing on the sideboard, and even cases of reckless behavior like urinating from a moving Thar. There have also been multiple reports of Thars being driven rashly, some resulting in serious and fatal accidents.
This statement sparked controversy, and clips from the event spread across social media like wildfire. Reacting to this, Indian actress and automotive enthusiast Gul Panag shared her views on her social media, stating, "I drive a Thar. I ride a Royal Enfield."
"In fact, several women in my family ride the Royal Enfield Bullet and Drive Thars. Across generations."
Adding further, she said, "Anecdotal generalisations don't help strengthen road safety. Thar and Bullet are iconic Indian brands admired for their capability and style, and disparaging them serves no purpose. As someone who drives a Thar and rides a Bullet, I'm not slighted, I've never believed in judging a book by its cover. What truly makes laws effective is not stereotyping citizens, but ensuring a law-enforcement mechanism that inspires both respect for the law and a healthy fear of consequences. That is where our focus should be.
While the Haryana DGP's remarks have stirred debate, they also highlight growing concerns around reckless driving and vehicle misuse. The controversy underscores the need for balanced discussions on road safety, ensuring enforcement without stereotyping, and promoting responsible ownership of vehicles.