Filmmaker Rohit Shetty is under scrutiny over splashing the word ‘Police’ and fitting police-style lights on at least two of his private cars, both Indian-made sports utility vehicles (SUVs). Shetty, 52, has directed some of the Hindi movie industry’s biggest hits of the past two decades, including the Singham trilogy, Chennai Express, and the Golmaal franchise, the fifth of which is currently being shot in the city.

Both these acts are illegal and subject to punishment under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, as amended in 2019. No vehicles apart from those belonging to law enforcement are allowed to use these.

mid-day has photographs of both the SUVs, and traffic officials confirmed that they belong to Shetty.

Police officials told mid-day on condition of anonymity that Shetty had not received the level of police security he had sought. One officer said, “His request is still under consideration.”

mid-day reached out repeatedly to the top brass of Mumbai Police including Commissioner Deven Bharti; Joint Commissioners Satyanarayan Choudhary (Law & Order) and Anil Kumbhare (Traffic); a senior official from the Security and Protection department of the DCP of Operations; and the Mumbai Police public relations officer (PRO). No one responded until 10.30 pm on Tuesday, the time of this newspaper going to print.

However, by Wednesday afternoon, Shetty’s Spokesperson issued an official statement, stating that the stickers have now been “discontinued”.

The statement read: “Following the firing incident at Rohit Shetty’s residence, the police had implemented heightened security measures and provided protection. Identification stickers were placed during the initial phase which have now been discontinued. At present, Rohit Shetty continues to remain under police security, with two personnel deployed for his safety, as the matter remains under active surveillance. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Mumbai Police for their steadfast support and cooperation during this challenging period.”

The well-regarded filmmaker and television show host was at the receiving end of extortion threats earlier this year, and a firing incident was reported outside his residence in the early hours of February 1. According to the police, the Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the February 1 shooting as well.

A couple of weeks after the firing incident, Shetty wrote to Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti asking for enhanced protection for himself and for the cast and crew of his upcoming movie Golmaal 5, which is currently being shot in Mumbai. The movie’s actors include Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Shreyas Talpade, Arshad Warsi, and Tusshar Kapoor.

A senior traffic officer said: “Writing ‘POLICE’ on private vehicles or using police lights is illegal. Only official police vehicles are permitted.”

Records accessed by officers of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) reveal that both SUVs in question are registered in Shetty’s own name, not the police department.

A senior RTO official said, “Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as amended in 2019, displaying a “Police” sticker, logo, or board on a private vehicle is a punishable offence under Section 177. This section serves as the general provision for punishing traffic violations where a specific penalty is not stipulated elsewhere.” An RTO inspector told mid-day, “Whenever such cases are brought to our notice, we alert the local police.” 

Right to Information Act activist Anil Galgali who has exposed civic officials using police sirens told mid-day that the use of “POLICE” markings, unauthorized name plates, and illegal flashing lights are all serious violations of the law, and “a matter of grave public concern.” He said, “Such actions create a false impression of authority, mislead citizens, and undermine law enforcement agencies’ credibility.”

He demanded that an FIR be registered against Shetty. “A high-level inquiry must be initiated to ascertain under whose permission, negligence, or possible complicity such misuse has been allowed. Clear and strict guidelines must also be issued,” Galgali said.

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Beacon-style lights and ‘Police’ stickers have been removed from two sports utility vehicles in filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s private convoy after this newspaper brought the matter to light, following allegations that the automobiles were being made to resemble official police cars, raising concerns about potential misuse of authority.

Responding to the controversy, Shetty’s spokesperson told mid-day, “Following the unfortunate firing incident at Rohit Shetty’s residence [on February 1], the police promptly implemented heightened security measures, protecting both his home and film sets. During the initial phase, police identification stickers were placed on certain vehicles as part of these arrangements, which have now been removed.”

Shetty remains under police security, with two personnel watching over him, as the matter remains under active surveillance. “We sincerely thank the Mumbai Police for their unwavering support and cooperation during this difficult time,” the spokesperson said.

Sources in the know said that police personnel with weapons and security guards, often in plain clothes, used to occupy both SUVs. They were reportedly dressed like private security or bouncers, as uniforms could possibly deter people from approaching during public appearances. On-duty personnel accompanying the director will now don police uniform.

The controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that two SUVs, were being used as part of his convoy, allegedly fitted with police-style lights and marked ‘Police’, despite being privately owned vehicles (registered with the name of Rohit Shetty as per RTO records). The SUVs were reportedly manned by private security guards.

This reporter again contacted senior Mumbai Police officials concerned seeking what action was taken in this case, but received no response till press time.

Anil Galgali, Activist told mid-day, “I have written a letter to the Mumbai police commissioner and the joint commissioner of police (traffic), seeking action against Rohit Shetty. This is a very serious matter, as displaying ‘Police’ on private vehicles and using beacon lights or sirens is strictly prohibited and punishable under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Amendment 2019). Such acts mislead citizens, undermine the authority of the police system, and can potentially create law and order issues. Strict action must be taken, as has been done in similar cases in the past.”