'Model Chai Wali' Dragged And Slapped By Lucknow Cops, CCTV Footage Sparks Outrage
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CCTV showing Simran Gupta being manhandled by police went viral, sparking outrage. Two officers were removed from field duty pending investigation
Simran Gupta, crowned Miss Gorakhpur in 2018 and now widely known as Uttar Pradesh's 'Model Chai Wali', has found herself at the centre of controversy—this time not for her inspiring journey from beauty queen to entrepreneur, but for allegedly being assaulted and threatened by Lucknow Police near her tea stall late at night.
CCTV footage of the incident, showing uniformed and plain-clothed officers manhandling Simran, quickly went viral, triggering a wave of outrage and public support. In response, the UP Police removed Ram-Ram Bank outpost in-charge Alok Chaudhary and constable Abhishek Kumar from field duty pending investigation.
The incident reportedly took place around 1:45am on June 9 near Adarsh Complex on Sitapur Road, where Simran runs her stall under the brand 'Model Chai Wali'. She said she was wrapping up for the day when a group of policemen—some in plain clothes—arrived in a private vehicle and began roughing her up without explanation.
Simran alleges the group included Chaudhary, constable Kumar, and a female constable, none of whom showed identification. 'They didn't ask a single question. One grabbed my phone, another held my arm and tried to push me into their vehicle. When I resisted, the female constable slapped me multiple times," she said.
She further claimed that one of her staff members was taken away and coerced into giving a false statement. 'This wasn't law enforcement—it was intimidation and extortion," Simran said, alleging the officers acted on behalf of a rival tea vendor with police backing.
Additional DCP (North) Jitendra Kumar Dubey said, 'No written complaint has been received yet, but we're reviewing the CCTV footage and appropriate action will be taken."
Following online outrage, the two accused officers were 'line attached" (removed from active duty) on Tuesday evening. Simran, however, said she and her family have since received veiled threats. 'They're warning us—stay quiet or we'll slap a case on you in six months," she said.
Who is Simran Gupta?
A graduate of Gorakhpur University, Simran began modelling after winning the Miss Gorakhpur title in 2018 and went on to feature in various fashion shows and ad campaigns. But the Covid-19 pandemic upended her plans.
After her father lost his job and she faced months of unpaid work in the electricity department, she left the position. With mounting family responsibilities, Simran turned to entrepreneurship, inspired by 'teapreneurs' like MBA Chaiwala and Graduate Chaiwali.
She started 'Model Chai Wali' in Gorakhpur in 2022 and later expanded to Lucknow, where she gained attention for combining street food with a strong personal brand, largely boosted by social media.
'I never imagined I'd sell tea, but when life gives you no choice, there's dignity in honest work," she said in a previous interview.
Gendered Policing and Public Anger
The footage, showing Simran being dragged by the collar while surrounded by men, has ignited debates around women's safety, policing standards, and abuse of power.
Activists and citizens criticised the alleged mistreatment of female entrepreneurs in public spaces. 'When a woman running a legitimate roadside business is treated like this just for being there past midnight, it speaks volumes," wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Simran also criticised emergency helpline response, claiming calls to 1090 and 112 were unhelpful. 'If someone with visibility like me can be treated this way, imagine women who have no platform. I've lost faith in the police—that's why I've approached the women's commission," she said.
Despite the trauma, Simran continues to operate her stall. 'They thought I'd back down. I won't. I've come too far to quit," she told reporters, demanding legal action against the officers and protection for herself and her family.
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