LUCKNOW: Bollywood actor Shekhar Suman praised the Uttar Pradesh Police's exceptional management of the Maha Kumbh 2025, calling it an unprecedented feat in global event planning. Speaking in the seventh episode of UP Police's podcast ‘Beyond the Badge', Suman highlighted the seamless security, cleanliness, and organisation of the religious gathering, which saw over 66 crore visitors.
The ‘Beyond the Badge' podcast, initiated under the directives of DGP Prashant Kumar, aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public by showcasing the human side of policing.
Reflecting on his Maha Kumbh visit, Suman debunked negative narratives on social media, admitting that he initially had apprehensions about attending. However, he said, "What I witnessed was extraordinary. The arrangements were flawless. The scale of organisation under PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath is beyond imagination."
Praising the 50,000 police personnel deployed at the event, he added, "Managing such a massive crowd without chaos is a near-impossible task. But UP Police set a global benchmark. No other country could have pulled this off."
Suman also emphasised the importance of changing the public's perception of the police, often seen only as an enforcement agency. "This podcast is a brilliant initiative. It challenges the stereotype that police are just about arrests and punishments. In reality, they are our protectors, our guardians."
He extended his salute to every officer, sanitation worker, and administrator involved in ensuring safety and hygiene at the Kumbh Mela, calling their dedication remarkable.
Apart from discussing the Kumbh, Suman also spoke about his upcoming projects, personal well-being, and creative pursuits. Concluding the episode, he delivered a powerful message: "The khaki uniform is not just a colour—it symbolises sacrifice, duty, and unwavering commitment. What UP Police achieved will be remembered for generations."