The Himachal Pradesh Police has suspended Inspector Vijay Kumar, who heads the state police orchestra Harmony of the Pines, over allegations of earning money from private music content on social media without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority. A departmental inquiry has also been ordered.
The suspension order was issued by the Commandant of the 1st Himachal Pradesh Armed Police Battalion in Junga on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tiwari.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Police Lines) Kamal Kishore has been appointed as the inquiry officer. He has been asked to complete the departmental investigation within three months.
The official order stated that Inspector Vijay Kumar was earlier served with a show-cause notice asking him to provide documentary proof of departmental approval, if any, for creating, publishing and promoting his private music albums.
He was also directed to disclose the income earned through YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms. The department further asked him to explain under which rules or provisions he was permitted to undertake these private commercial activities.
According to the order, Vijay Kumar filed his written response on July 3. However, the department said the reply failed to answer the allegations and did not provide proof of prior permission.
The department also noted that he had not fully disclosed the earnings from his social media accounts and private music projects. It further said he failed to cite any rule that allowed him to engage in such activities.
Based on his reply and the Commandant's observations, the matter was referred to the DGP. The police chief reportedly found that the officer's conduct was prima facie in violation of Rule 14.33 of the Punjab Police Rules and Sections 86 and 87 of the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, 2007.
The order further stated that the alleged actions amounted to gross misconduct and indiscipline, making a detailed departmental inquiry necessary under the applicable service rules.
Pending completion of the inquiry, Vijay Kumar has been placed under suspension with immediate effect. During this period, his headquarters will remain at the 1st HPAP Battalion in Junga. He will receive subsistence allowance as per the rules. The order added that the suspension was also intended to prevent any possible influence on witnesses.
Inspector Vijay Kumar is widely known as the face of Harmony of the Pines, the Himachal Pradesh Police orchestra formed in 1996 to promote cultural activities and help police personnel manage stress.
The orchestra gained national recognition after finishing third in the television reality show Hunarbaaz – Desh Ki Shaan in 2022. It has since represented Himachal Pradesh at several national and international events, including performances in France, Italy, Canada, Singapore and Dubai. Income from the orchestra's official performances is deposited in the Police Welfare Fund.
Repeated attempts to obtain a response from senior Himachal Pradesh Police officials, including Acting DGP Ashok Tiwari, were unsuccessful as no official was available for comment till the filing of the report.
Inspector Vijay Kumar could not be contacted despite repeated attempts, and his response to the allegations was not immediately available.
The departmental inquiry will determine whether Vijay Kumar violated service conduct rules by undertaking and monetising private musical activities without the required approval from the competent authority.
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