The Hindu : New Delhi News : Police officers to keep tabs on black sheep

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Friday, Jul 22, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Police officers to keep tabs on black sheep

Prashant Pandey

Top brass decides to get strict in order to stem the rot

NEW DELHI: In a bid to rein in errant investigating officers, a couple of whom were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation for allegedly accepting bribes over the past couple of months, the Delhi police top brass have issued a host of instructions which include senior officers keeping an eye on their sources of income.

For the time being, the instructions have been issued for the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) police, but according to sources these could be extended to other areas of the Capital as well.

As per the instructions issued by Police Headquarters, senior police officers of the level of the Deputy Commissioners have been asked to keep details about the properties and sources of income of not only the investigating officers -- most of whom happen to be sub-inspectors -- but also those of their relatives.

The investigating officers, who usually leave for "investigation" purposes by verbally informing the daily diary record keeper, have now been asked to personally fill all the details about the purpose of their leaving the police station and later give details of the "work done" to their superiors. Those found violating the instructions would be liable for strict action and may even face suspension.

Police sources also added that investigating officers going out of the Capital have also been asked to furnish complete details to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) about the nature of work and the kind of expenses incurred during the stay.

These instructions come in wake of two sub-inspectors, posted with the IGI police, being arrested by the CBI for allegedly accepting bribes. While in the first case, the information officer had demanded Rs. 20,000 to facilitate bail for the complainant, in the second the sub-inspector had allegedly accepted Rs. 1 lakh for providing undue favours to the complainant. The Station House Officers in both the cases were sent to the lines for allegedly failing in their supervisory roles.

In another case, a sub-inspector of Lajpat Nagar police station was arrested by the CBI for allegedly accepting Rs. 30,000 from the complainant for providing him undue favours. The SHO in that case had later surrendered and later released on bail.

The CBI had also registered a disproportionate assets case against a high profile ACP, who was then posted with the Crime Branch of the Delhi police, who was found to possess a fleet of cars, besides posh houses.

According to sources, the recent incidents had tarnished the image of the Delhi police and the police top brass decided to get strict in order to stem the rot. To ensure that the investigating officers follow the instructions, the ACP concerned has been asked to carry out surprise checks at least twice a week. The DCP has been asked to carry out such checks once a week.

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