J&K Traffic Sub-Inspector Suspended for Misusing Official Vehicle on Mughal Road

A traffic police sub-inspector in Jammu and Kashmir has been suspended pending a departmental inquiry after a video showing him allegedly using an official police vehicle to shoot a social media reel went viral. The officer, identified as Sub-Inspector Gul Sheraz, was posted as sector officer (traffic) on the strategically important Mughal Road. The incident occurred near Peer Ki Gali, a high-altitude pass frequently blanketed in snow during winter, where road conditions become extremely hazardous due to ice, low visibility, and the risk of avalanches.

In the widely circulated clip, Sheraz was purportedly seen protruding out of the open front door of a moving police vehicle, an action that immediately sparked outrage among netizens and raised serious questions about safety protocols. Officials highlighted that such reckless behavior on a treacherous mountain road not only endangered the officer’s life but also compromised the safety of other road users in an area prone to accidents during the winter season. The misuse of an official vehicle for personal content creation further drew criticism for violating professional conduct and public trust in law enforcement.

The Jammu and Kashmir traffic police acted swiftly in response to the public backlash and the viral nature of the video. Sub-Inspector Gul Sheraz has been placed under suspension with immediate effect and directed to report to the Traffic Police Lines in Rural Jammu. In his place, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Anil Kumar has been deployed as the new sector officer (traffic) on Mughal Road to ensure continuity of traffic management duties. Authorities have stated that a formal inquiry will be conducted to ascertain the full details of the incident and determine appropriate disciplinary action.

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The episode has reignited discussions about the responsible use of social media by public servants, especially in sensitive and high-risk postings such as traffic management in Jammu and Kashmir’s hilly regions. Mughal Road, which connects the Kashmir Valley with the Poonch-Rajouri sector, remains a vital link but demands strict adherence to safety norms due to its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. Traffic officials emphasized that the primary duty of personnel is to uphold road safety and public order, not to engage in activities that could undermine these responsibilities. The suspension serves as a reminder of the standards expected from those in uniform while performing duties in difficult conditions.

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