A Reddit user has shared his experience after confronting a ‘police officer’ who was allegedly harassing a couple near the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

On the subreddit r/Delhi, he wrote that a girl approached him for help while he was on his bike near the service lane opposite the IIT gate.

“I stopped immediately and realised that a cop, not in uniform, had snatched her phone and also taken the Aadhaar card of the boy who was with her,” he said in a post titled, ‘Today girl and boy harassed by non-uniformed cop near IIT.’

The user added that when he questioned the ‘officer’, “his reply shocked me. He said that since it was night, and the place was ‘risky,’ it was his duty to check them.”

“I couldn’t believe this nonsense,” the Reddit user said, claiming he told the beat officer that it was the “couple’s understanding” if they wanted to sit at a place, and that he couldn’t harass them.

By then, he said that a crowd of over 20 people had gathered, and the beat officer had allegedly returned their IDs and mobile phones.

In conclusion, the Reddit user opined that the incident helped him realise that “instead of protecting citizens, some Delhi cops misuse their power to trouble students and outsiders, often just to extract money.”

“What really stood out to me, though, was the courage of the girl who shouted for help—without her presence of mind, the situation could have ended very badly,” he said.

He also dispensed some advice in his post, saying: “If something like this happens to you, don’t panic. Ask the cop for his ID and police station name, show confidence, and make it clear you know your rights. And most importantly, don’t hesitate to call for help– because once people gather, the tables turn quickly. Stay safe, friends.”

Read the entire post here:

This post gained traction on the subreddit, with people sharing their thoughts and opinions.

“They target innocent and gullible citizens who look vulnerable,” a user said. Another user added: “Was he even a cop? Never entertain non-uniformed people.”

Although the Reddit post has triggered a discussion in the comments section regarding misuse of authority and unsafe streets, the Delhi Police is yet to react to the allegations.

– Ends