Lucknow Police Under Fire After Viral Video Shows Officer Manhandling ‘Model Chaiwali’ Simran Gupta

A shocking video has gone viral on social media, showing Lucknow police officers manhandling Simran Gupta, popularly known as ‘Model Chaiwali’, late at night. The footage, which captures a female police officer grabbing Simran by her collar and dragging her, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about police conduct in Uttar Pradesh’s capital.

Who is Simran Gupta?

Simran Gupta, originally from Gorakhpur—the same city as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath—is a former Miss Gorakhpur and a well-known figure on Instagram. She left a successful modeling career to start her own tea stall in Lucknow under the brand name “Model Chaiwali.” Her unique approach, such as making tea with rose petals, quickly made her a viral sensation, and she now runs both a tea stall and a shop at Engineering College Chauraha.

What Happened That Night?

The incident reportedly took place on the night of June 9, at around midnight or later. CCTV footage and videos recorded by bystanders show police arriving at Simran’s tea shop to enforce a late-night closure order. A heated exchange ensued when Simran questioned the officers about their actions and asserted that she was not doing anything illegal.

As tensions escalated, a female police officer is seen grabbing Simran by the collar and dragging her. The video also shows a man recording the incident from a car, and the CCTV footage confirms the altercation. Simran can be heard protesting, insisting she is not a thief and only running her business.

Public Reaction and Police Response

The video’s release triggered a wave of criticism on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with many users questioning the necessity of such aggression by the police. People are demanding to know why police resorted to physical force instead of following proper procedures.

In response, Lucknow police issued a statement saying they were acting on complaints about shops remaining open past the permitted hours. They confirmed that an investigation is underway, led by the ACP of Aliganj, and promised departmental action against any officers found guilty of misconduct.

Simran’s Allegations

Simran has accused the police of repeated harassment and even extortion attempts, claiming that officers have pressured her to shut down her business multiple times. She alleges that the situation has now escalated to physical abuse and public humiliation.

Key Questions Remain

While police have assured a thorough investigation, many questions remain unanswered: Why did the situation escalate to violence? Was such behavior justified in enforcing a shop closure? And what rights do small business owners have when dealing with law enforcement late at night?

Conclusion

The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about police behavior and the treatment of young entrepreneurs, especially women, in India. As the investigation continues, citizens are watching closely to see if justice will be served and if systemic reforms will follow.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Let us know in the comments. I’m Mahima, and you’re watching Ulta Chashma UC.