Retired Lieutenant General D.S. Hooda, known for leading India’s 2016 surgical strike, alleged that his car was intentionally hit by a Punjab Police escort vehicle on the Zirakpur flyover near Chandigarh. The incident took place around 4 p.m. on Wednesday while he was traveling with his wife toward Ambala.
Hooda described the ordeal on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), calling the act “deliberate and reckless.”
At 4 pm driving with my wife on the Zirakpur flyover. Two Punjab Police jeeps escorting a VIP towards Ambala come from behind with sirens blaring. Slowed the vehicle to let the first vehicle pass, the VIP vehicle perhaps took three additional seconds to pass because there was…
— Lt Gen D S Hooda (@LtGenHooda) November 12, 2025
According to General Hooda, two Punjab Police vehicles were escorting a VIP convoy headed to Ambala. As he slowed down to let the first vehicle pass, the second police jeep, allegedly irritated by a short delay, overtook from the left and swerved sharply to the right, striking the front of his car.
“This was a completely deliberate act,” Hooda wrote. “Not only was my car damaged, but the safety of my wife and me was completely disregarded.”
He added that such arrogant and careless behaviour by those meant to uphold the law “tarnishes the reputation of the uniform.”
Social Media Reactions and Support
Many prominent personalities expressed concern and support following Hooda’s post.
Former Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma responded:
“That must have been a frightening experience, Sir! Hope you and Mrs. Hooda are doing well.”
Meanwhile, former Punjab Special Chief Secretary K.B.S. Sidhu wrote,
“We sincerely hope that responsibility for this reckless act will be fixed as soon as possible.”
DGP Gaurav Yadav respond with regret
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav issued a formal statement expressing deep regret over the incident.
A recent social media post has brought to notice an incident involving an escort vehicle on the Zirakpur- Ambala stretch.
Punjab Police, being a professional force has zero tolerance policy, as its duty is not just to protect VIPs but also to uphold public dignity, safety, and…
— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) November 13, 2025
Yadav confirmed that the investigation has been assigned to Special DGP Traffic A.S. Rai, with orders to identify the vehicles and personnel involved. He assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
Probe Underway, Hooda Appreciates Quick Response
General Hooda acknowledged the DGP’s prompt response, saying:
“I appreciate your response. Since there was no dash cam, my version will have to be trusted.”
The Punjab Police has begun identifying the convoy vehicles involved, with updates expected soon.