The Mumbai Police has directed its 51,000 personnel to immediately stop posting reels, mini-vlogs and other social media videos shot in uniform, warning of strict disciplinary action against those who fail to comply. The move effectively halts the recent trend of so-called khaki swag videos that had gained traction among younger audiences on platforms such as Instagram.
In a circular issued on Thursday and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Branch, Dattatray Kamble, the force stated that such content often inadvertently reveals office premises, government vehicles, equipment or duty-related information, raising concerns over confidentiality and security, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
The circular stated that it has been observed that some police officers and personnel of the Mumbai Police force are creating and posting reels, mini-vlogs or other videos on social media while in uniform, and that in some instances office premises, government equipment, vehicles or duty-related information are inadvertently visible. The order emphasised that such disclosures could compromise operational security.
The Social Media Lab of the Mumbai Police has been instructed to actively monitor social media platforms and report violations. Personnel found flouting the directive could face proceedings under the Maharashtra Civil Services Disciplinary and Appeal Rules, 1979.
The development follows a July 2025 Government Resolution regulating social media use by state government employees. The resolution cautions employees against self-promotion, criticism of government policies, sharing confidential documents or posting offensive or defamatory content. It also directs employees to maintain a clear separation between personal and official accounts and to avoid displaying official designations, logos, government property or office details, except in profile photographs.
Senior officers believe that while some reels may appear harmless or entertaining, they carry the risk of breaching departmental secrecy and adversely affecting the image and discipline of the force.
Several Mumbai Police personnel had, in recent months, built substantial social media followings through such content. Among them is Amol Kale, who has over 583,000 followers and has appeared in videos alongside actors such as Ranveer Singh, Nora Fatehi and Malaika Arora.
