On 12^th September 2025, the documentary India’s Sons, directed by Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj and produced by Shonee Kapoor, was screened at the Haryana Police Academy, Madhuban. The screening was attended by 400+ police officers, primarily Investigating Officers and Sub-Inspectors posted at various police stations across Haryana. The respected Director of Haryana Police Academy, Shri A.S. Chawla (IPS), and Superintendent of Police, Karnal, Smt. Pushpa Khatri, also graced the occasion.

The documentary film, which has already been screened at various police academies and institutions across India, focuses on the pressing issue of false accusations against men, especially in cases of sexual harassment and rape. The documentary sheds light on how such cases are sometimes filed with malicious intent, either to extort money or to settle personal scores, leaving innocent men and their families devastated.

Officers Share Real-Life Experiences

The screening evoked strong reactions from the officers present. Many openly appreciated the documentary for its balanced approach and realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by falsely accused men.

One police officer recounted a personal experience where he was assigned as an additional Investigating Officer in a rape case. After carefully scrutinising the evidence, he concluded that the case was false and proceeded to file a final report exonerating the accused. Despite receiving warnings from seniors and colleagues, he stood firm on his findings. He recalled how the accused and his family showered him with blessings for being fair and just. Addressing the auditorium, he encouraged fellow officers to show courage, conduct thorough investigations, and not hesitate in closing cases when evidence suggests the allegations are prima facie false.

Another female officer brought up the infamous Rohtak Sisters case, which was extensively documented by filmmaker Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj. As she revealed critical details of the case, Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj immediately recognised the reference. Watch more on the Rohtak Sisters case here

Impact on Senior Leadership

The screening left a deep impact not only on the officers but also on senior IPS officer Shri A.S. Chawla. Recognising the importance of the subject, another screening was organized on 24^th September 2025 for Inspector General (IG)-level officers.

This special session was attended by 20+ senior officers, including DGP Haryana Shri Shatrujeet Kapoor. The DGP lauded the documentary for its well-balanced narrative and creative representation of real-life cases where men were trapped in false allegations. He emphasised the importance of sensitising officers to identify such cases through diligent and unbiased investigations.

A Step Towards Sensitization

The screenings of India’s Sons at Haryana Police Academy highlight an important step towards sensitisation of the police force in handling cases of sexual offences. While ensuring justice for genuine victims remains paramount, officers were reminded that justice must be fair and balanced and protecting innocent men from false charges is equally crucial.

The overwhelming response at Madhuban and the follow-up screening for senior officers reflect the growing acknowledgment of the need for systemic reforms and greater accountability in investigations.

With its powerful storytelling and grounded research, India’s Sons continues to spark dialogue across institutions in India, reminding us that in the pursuit of justice, truth must remain the ultimate guide.