A viral video from Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district has caused widespread anger over alleged moral policing by the police. The incident took place at Sheetala Mata Mandir Park, where Mahila police station SHO Manju Singh interrogated a young boy and two minor girls – one of whom was his sister and the other his cousin – who had come from the neighboring Ghazipur district.
While observing a women’s safety awareness campaign, Singh suspected a romantic relationship, called the father to verify identity, and confirmed that they were brother-sister and family members. Despite this, he advised the girl not to go to public places without a “guardian” and instructed the father over the phone not to let her go out alone.
The video, which surfaced on social media around December 15, 2025, was strongly criticized for being overly intrusive, and netizens accused the authorities of moral policing under the guise of security. No crime was reported, but Maui police took action: Singh was transferred from his post.
What kind of Moral Policing is this? @Uppolice Don’t you have some better job to do,pic.twitter.com/mZAXBfuNLR
— NCMIndia Council For Men Affairs (@NCMIndiaa) December 15, 2025
Additional Superintendent of Police Anup Kumar said that although no crime was committed, officers sometimes take on undue “moral responsibility” and give unsolicited advice. He stressed that couples cannot be stopped without any valid reason, announced sensitization training for district police, and said a warning would be issued to prevent them from going beyond the jurisdiction.
The incident highlights ongoing debates over police behavior in public spaces, striking a balance between security concerns and individual freedoms.
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