Lucknow: A man who allegedly claimed to be an IPS officer and demanded salutes from police personnel has been booked after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
According to reports, the incident occurred at a tea stall in the Mahanagar area of Lucknow. The man, identified as Shukla, allegedly refused to pay ₹40 for tea and snacks purchased from the vendor. A video circulating online shows him repeatedly insisting that police constables on duty salute him while he attempted to leave the spot without clearing the bill.
The matter came to light after the tea stall owner lodged a complaint with the police. Acting on the complaint, officers intercepted the man and questioned him regarding the dispute. During the interaction, he reportedly asked the personnel why they were not saluting him and claimed that he was an IPS officer posted in Noida.
However, the police personnel were unconvinced by his claims. In the viral video, one constable can be heard telling him that a salute would not be offered to someone dressed in civilian clothes. The officers further asked him to produce his official identity card and appear in uniform if he wished to establish his credentials.
The exchange soon drew public attention after the video spread widely across social media platforms, prompting discussions about impersonation and misuse of official status.
Reacting to the viral footage, Lucknow Police stated in a post on X that a case had been registered at Mahanagar Police Station under relevant legal provisions. Police officials said further investigation is underway and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions online, with many users praising the constables for insisting on proper identification and following due procedure rather than accepting the individual’s claims at face value.
