Model Chai Wali Slapped by Lucknow Cops
Simran Gupta popularly known as the ‘Model Chai Wali’ has inspired thousands with her journey from beauty queen to street-side entrepreneur. But this week, she’s making headlines for a very different reason.
Model Chai Wali Slapped by Lucknow Cops
In a disturbing late-night incident caught on CCTV, Simran was allegedly assaulted, manhandled, and threatened by Lucknow police officers near her tea stall. The footage, now widely circulated on social media, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised serious questions about police conduct, women’s safety, and abuse of power.
Model Chai Wali Slapped by Lucknow Cops
The Midnight Assault
The incident occurred around 1:45 AM on June 9, near Adarsh Complex on Sitapur Road, where Simran runs her popular tea stall under the brand ‘Model Chai Wali’.
Simran says she was closing up for the night when a private vehicle pulled up. Out stepped a group of men some in police uniforms, others in plain clothes who allegedly began harassing her without any explanation.
Model Chai Wali Slapped by Lucknow Cops
“They didn’t ask a single question. One officer snatched my phone, another tried to force me into their vehicle,” Simran recalled. “When I resisted, the female constable slapped me repeatedly.”
Model Chai Wali Slapped by Lucknow Cops
Worse, one of her staff members was allegedly taken away and pressured into signing a false statement. According to Simran, this was not random policing, but a coordinated act of “intimidation and extortion,” possibly instigated by a rival vendor with police backing.
Officers Removed, But Questions Linger
Following public outrage, the UP Police have removed Ram-Ram Bank outpost in-charge Alok Chaudhary and constable Abhishek Kumar from field duty. An internal probe has been initiated by ACP Aliganj.
Model Chai Wali Slapped by Lucknow Cops
“No written complaint has been received yet, but CCTV footage is being reviewed,” said Additional DCP (North) Jitendra Kumar Dubey.
Yet, Simran alleges the threats haven’t stopped. “They’re warning my family ‘stay quiet or we’ll slap a fake case on you in six months’,” she told reporters.
Who Is Simran Gupta?
Once crowned Miss Gorakhpur 2018, Simran had dreams of a modelling career. But the pandemic hit hard, her father lost his job, and she herself went months without pay working at the electricity department.
Model Chai Wali Slapped by Lucknow Cops
Determined not to let circumstances define her, she turned to tea. Inspired by India’s ‘teapreneurs’ like MBA Chaiwala, Graduate Chaiwali she launched Model Chai Wali in 2022, serving tea with a personal touch, street flair, and social media savvy.
“I never thought I’d sell tea but I found dignity in it,” she once said. Her story resonated across India, particularly with young women looking to carve out their own paths.
Model Chai Wali Slapped by Lucknow Cops
Public Outcry and Gendered Policing
The CCTV clip showing Simran being dragged by her collar while surrounded by male officers has triggered outrage online and offline.
“When a female entrepreneur is treated like a criminal for working late, what message does that send to other women?” one user asked on X (formerly Twitter).
Model Chai Wali Slapped by Lucknow Cops
Activists say this is more than police misconduct it’s a blatant case of gendered intimidation. Simran also criticized the poor response from emergency helplines, claiming calls to 1090 and 112 went unanswered or unresolved.
“If someone like me who’s visible on social media can be attacked like this, what hope is there for others?” she asked. “I’ve lost trust in the system. That’s why I’ve approached the women’s commission.”
Model Chai Wali Slapped by Lucknow Cops
Refusing to Back Down
Despite the trauma and threats, Simran is not closing shop. “They thought I’d disappear in fear. I won’t. I’ve come too far to quit now,” she said.
