UP Police Officer 'Scans' Man's Back to Verify Citizenship, Sparks Outrage
UP Cop Uses 'Device' to Check Citizenship, Video Viral

A disturbing video from Uttar Pradesh has ignited a fierce debate over police methods and alleged racial profiling after an officer claimed a handheld device could determine a person's nationality by scanning their back. The incident, which took place in Ghaziabad, has drawn widespread condemnation for its bizarre and unscientific approach to citizenship verification.

The Incident in Ghaziabad's Bhowapur Area

The controversial event occurred a few days ago in the town of Ghaziabad. Police personnel were conducting routine checks in the slum areas of Bhowapur and Bihari Market. During this exercise, an officer was filmed interacting with a resident. In the now-viral clip, the policeman is seen holding a small, rectangular device close to the man's back.

He audibly states that the device's reading indicates the individual is Bangladeshi. This act of using an unverified tool to make a serious accusation about a person's citizenship lies at the heart of the controversy. The video quickly spread across social media platforms, attracting immediate and severe criticism from netizens, activists, and opposition politicians.

Public and Legal Backlash

The public reaction to the video was swift and furious. Many users online questioned the legitimacy of such a device, calling the action a blatant case of harassment and intimidation. Legal experts and human rights activists pointed out that there is no known technological device capable of determining nationality through a physical scan, making the officer's claim scientifically absurd and legally dangerous.

The incident raises serious concerns about police overreach and the potential for profiling vulnerable communities under the guise of checking for Bangladeshi infiltrators. Critics argue that such actions erode public trust in law enforcement and violate fundamental rights. The video has prompted calls for a formal inquiry and disciplinary action against the officers involved.

Broader Implications and Official Response

This event is not an isolated one but fits into a larger, tense national discourse around immigration and citizenship in India. It highlights how local law enforcement actions can exacerbate social tensions and target marginalized groups. The use of an unexplained "device" adds a layer of technological theatrics to what many see as systemic profiling.

As of 02 January 2026, the date the news was published, there has been no official statement from the Ghaziabad police or the Uttar Pradesh government clarifying what the device was or justifying its use. The silence from the authorities has only fueled further anger and demands for accountability. The incident underscores the urgent need for standardized, lawful, and humane protocols for identity and citizenship checks that respect constitutional rights.

The fallout from this video continues to grow, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges at the intersection of technology, policing, and civil liberties in modern India.