The popular Himachal Pradesh Police orchestra, Harmony of the Pines, became mired in controversy after its head, Inspector Vijay Kumar, was suspended over allegations that he commercially exploited private musical content on social media platforms without taking prior permission from the relevant authority.
An administrative investigation was also initiated on the orders of the Commander of 1st Armed Police Battalion, Himachal Pradesh, Junga, on the directions of the Director General of Police (DGP), Himachal Pradesh, the news agency reported. that I I mentioned.
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Deputy Inspector of Police (Police Lines), Kamal Kishore, has been appointed as investigating officer and has been directed to complete the department’s investigation within three months.
The suspended policeman was earlier served with a show-cause notice wherein he was asked to furnish documentary proof of prior approval of the department, if any, for the production, publication and promotion of his own music albums, as per the official order.
Kumar was also asked to disclose the income he earned through YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms and explain the legal or administrative provisions under which he was licensed to carry out such private business activities.
He reportedly filed his response on July 3, which the department found unsatisfactory, saying it did not address the specific allegations and did not provide documentary evidence of prior authorization.
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The ministry also noted that Kumar failed to fully disclose income earned through social media platforms and private music activities, and failed to cite any legal rule or provision allowing such associations.
What is the harmony of pine?
Harmony of the Pines is an orchestra led by Himachal Pradesh police personnel which started in 1996 and has gained popularity even among Bollywood bigwigs with names like Karan Johar and Twinkle Khanna. In 2022, the 17-member band made it to the grand finale of a reality TV show called Hunarbaaz on Colors TV.
The band only received permission to perform in police uniform in 2016, but with a yellow and black striped bandana around their necks.
Kumar has been the face of the band since it came into existence. Harmony of the Pines has over 3k followers on Instagram and nearly 18,000 subscribers on YouTube.
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The Himachal Pradesh Police Band has represented the state at numerous national and international events, including performances in France, Italy, Canada, Singapore and Dubai. Revenues generated from the orchestra’s official performances are deposited into the Police Welfare Fund.
What has the probe found so far?
The Director General of Police observed that Kumar’s conduct was prima facie contrary to Rule 14.33 of the Punjab Police Rules and Sections 86 and 87 of the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, 2007, amounting to violation of the statutory and administrative provisions governing the conduct and discipline of police personnel.
The order also states that Kumar’s actions amount to gross misconduct and indiscipline unbecoming a member of a disciplined police force, warranting a detailed departmental investigation under the Punjab Police Rules (as applicable to HP), Himachal Pradesh Police Act, 2007 and other service rules.
Kumar will remain suspended until the investigation is completed. The suspension order also states that the decision was made to prevent any potential influence on witnesses during the investigation.
With inputs from ANI
