Nagpur Police Chief Faces Questions Over Video Praising RSS at Event

Nagpur Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer appointed on Tuesday, has come under scrutiny after a video surfaced showing him addressing a gathering organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj, a group facing multiple FIRs in Maharashtra for alleged hate speech. The 45-second clip, widely shared on social media, shows Patil speaking at an event commemorating the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In the video, Patil praises the RSS and its founder, Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, whom he called a 'farsighted nationalist'.

The opposition Congress party criticised the officer and the state government, sharing the video on social media and questioning the neutrality of the civil services. 'Forgot the oath of the Constitution and the khaki uniform, they've shown up at the Sangh's doorstep singing praises,' the Maharashtra Congress posted. The party further stated, 'On one side, taking the oath of the Indian Constitution, shouldering the responsibility of the people's security, and on the other side, openly praising the RSS. What kind of dutiful IPS officer is this?'

When contacted by The Indian Express, Patil declined to comment. However, sources close to him defended his presence at the event, noting that other government officials and leaders of the religious organisation ISKCON also attended. They also highlighted that Patil had participated in iftar parties, suggesting a balanced approach.

Patil, who holds a large social media following and has authored a book about his life, has served in various capacities, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Zone 1 in Mumbai, where he was involved in counter-terror operations during the 26/11 attacks. He later served as Joint Commissioner of Law and Order and was recently posted to the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

The controversy comes amid a broader debate about the involvement of civil servants in events organised by groups with a political or ideological orientation. According to a compliance affidavit filed by the Maharashtra government in the Supreme Court, at least 19 criminal FIRs were registered between January and April 2023 against Sakal Hindu Samaj for provocative and hate-filled speeches during various rallies across the state.

The incident raises questions about the propriety of senior police officers participating in events that may be perceived as aligning with a particular ideological group, especially given the constitutional duty to remain neutral.