A controversy involving Maharashtra Police has erupted in Nagpur after a viral video allegedly showed a police officer asking a family to arrange diesel money before launching a search for their missing minor daughter, triggering widespread anger and political criticism.
The incident, which surfaced online on Wednesday, led to immediate administrative action against senior police inspector Baburao Raut of the Panchpaoli Police Station, who was later shifted to the police control room pending inquiry.
Viral Video Triggers Public Backlash
According to the family, the minor girl had been missing since Monday morning. Relatives approached the Panchpaoli police station seeking urgent assistance, but alleged that instead of immediate action, they were told that police vehicles lacked fuel for the search operation.
In the video circulating on social media, the officer is allegedly heard saying, “There is no diesel in our vehicle. How will we search for your daughter? Give us money for diesel.”
The remarks quickly sparked outrage online, with many questioning the condition of basic policing infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms in the state.
Political Row Intensifies in Maharashtra
The controversy escalated after senior Indian National Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar shared the video and launched a sharp attack on the state government.
Wadettiwar described the episode as evidence of administrative collapse and questioned how such a situation could emerge in Nagpur, the home city of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home Department.
The Congress leader alleged that while large amounts were being spent on political events and publicity campaigns, essential services and police resources were being neglected.
He also took aim at recent public appeals on fuel conservation, asking whether “saving diesel had become more important than tracing missing girls.”
Police Department Initiates Action
Following mounting criticism, the Nagpur Police Commissionerate transferred Inspector Raut to the police control room while launching an internal inquiry into the incident.
Joint Commissioner of Police Naveen Reddy confirmed that departmental action had been initiated after preliminary examination of the matter.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister and Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule directed authorities to begin disciplinary proceedings against the officer concerned.
Questions Raised Over Emergency Preparedness
The incident has reignited debate over policing standards, emergency infrastructure and responsiveness in Maharashtra. Opposition leaders and social media users have demanded accountability, arguing that families approaching police in distress should not face delays or demands linked to operational shortages.
