DGP warns IGP Rath

Amit Khajuria

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 24

Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid has written a strongly worded letter to Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Basant Rath, who is making news on the social media for varied reasons, warning him to behave like a police officer.

The state police chief has told the IG that his conduct was “unbecoming of a police officer” and the continuation of such behaviour may lead to initiation of an action under law.

Pointing out the odd things that the videos have captured, like Rath roaming on roads in civvies and snatching of mobile phones and helmets while checking vehicles, the DGP has advised him to not violate the rules according to which an officer must be in uniform while checking vehicles.

This communiqué, which has gone viral on the social media, says, “These acts are not only illegal but also unbecoming of a police officer under service rules.”

The letter said Rath should be aware of the J&K Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, that clearly say that no officer shall do any checking of any vehicle without proper uniform.

“You are hereby advised and warned to refrain from such acts in future. You shall always remain in proper uniform while discharging official duties as mandated in law and police rules,” the letter read.

The letter warned the IG (Traffic), “Any violation of these directions shall be viewed seriously and action under law shall be initiated against you.”