MAJOR ACTION AGAINST CORRUPTION: 52 POLICE OFFICIALS DISMISSED ACROSS VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN PUNJAB AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— PUNJAB POLICE ADOPTS ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY AGAINST CORRUPTION

— DGP GAURAV YADAV DIRECTS CPs/SSPs TO TAKE STERN ACTION AGAINST ANY POLICE OFFICIAL FOUND INDULGED IN CORRUPTION

— FURTHER EXPANDING SAANJH SERVICES, PUNJAB POLICE ALL SET TO LAUNCH E-FIR FACILITY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT SOON: DGP PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, February 19:

          In consonance with the instructions issued by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government emphasising transperancy, accountability and integrity in public service delivery, Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police (CPs/SSPs) in all districts have dismissed 52 police officials for their involvement in corrupt practices, malpractices, criminal activities or prolonged absenteeism, informed Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The dismissed Police officials includes one Inspector, five Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), four head-constables (HCs) and 42 constables across various districts.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav, who was addressing a press conference at Punjab Police Headquarters here, said that CPs/SSPs in their respective districts and commissionerates are undertaking the excercise to identify instances where police officers have been wanted in FIRs, facing serious allegations or indulged in corrupt practices. Officers concerned have been thoroughly examining the evidence and following due procedure in each case to initiate action, he said.

          He said that recently, a Station House Officer (SHO) Sadiq and two constables in Faridkot district were arrested after they found involved in extortion of money.

          Reaffirming the commitment of Punjab Police on 'Zero Tolerance Against Corruption', the DGP said that any elements found indulging corruption will be taken with iron hand. “Black sheep in the Punjab Police are not going to be tolerated. Strict action as per law will be taken,” he reiterated.

PUNJAB POLICE TO INTRODUCE E-FIR FACILITY

          Sharing details on upcoming projects in the Punjab Police, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Punjab Police is all set to introduce e-FIR facility for motor vehicle theft, which will allow public to lodge an FIR using online platform or visiting SAANJH Kendras.

          For this purpose, an e-Police Station is also being established at a state level, said the DGP, while adding, “We will also request Hon’ble High Court through the state government to get the E-Courts notified in each district.”

          He said that the e-FIR project is aimed at reducing direct interface of public with the police and delivering citizen friendly services with the use of technology. Punjab Police has been offering as many as 43 police services online under the SAANJH project, he added.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav further said that Punjab Police in collaboration with the Indian Police Foundation has launched a project on Internal Police Reforms making Punjab the first state to launch such project. The project, which was initially launched in SAS Nagar and Rupnagar, is now being expanded to two more districts including Fatehgarh Sahib and Khanna.

          He said that this groundbreaking initiative focuses on improving complaint/FIR registration, improving police response, behaviour and conduct ,minimising harassment, citizen services, community engagement, he added.

BOX: DISTRICT-WISE DATA OF OFFICIALS DISMISSED

CP Amritsar: 2

CP Jalandhar: 2

CP Ludhiana: 4

Batala: 2

Bathinda: 2

Fatehgarh Sahib: 1

Fazilka: 2

Faridkot: 3

Ferozepur: 1

Gurdaspur: 1

Hoshiarpur: 4

Jalandhar Rural: 2

Kapurthala: 4

Khanna: 1

Ludhiana Rural: 3

Mansa: 1

Malerkotla: 1

Pathankot: 1

Patiala: 5

Rupnagar: 1

Sri Muktsar Sahib: 2

Sangrur: 2

SAS Nagar: 2

SBS Nagar: 1

Tarn Taran: 2