Two cops among 3 held for taking bribe from peddler

In a major crackdown on corruption within the force, the Amritsar rural police have arrested three persons including two police personnel persons for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh in exchange for releasing a drug peddler and misappropriating seized narcotics.

The duo was posted at Daburji police post falling under Chatiwind police station here.

The accused have been identified as ASI Narinder Singh, Head Constable Pargat Singh and alleged drug trafficker Kulbir Singh, a resident of Darshan Avenue, located near the Golden Gate area.

All three have been booked under sections 7 and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and Sections 21, 22, 59, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act.

According to the complaint lodged by DSP Yadwinder Singh, a reliable input was received that ASI Narinder Singh and Head Constable Pargat Singh, both posted at Duburji police post under Chatiwnd police station, had recently arrested Kulbir Singh with a consignment of prohibited intoxicating drugs and capsules. However, instead of taking legal action, the two officials allegedly released him after accepting Rs 2.5 lakh as bribe from his son, Shamsher Singh.

“The duo was accused of keeping the recovered intoxicating substances with themselves and letting the accused go scot-free without any registration of case. The informer's disclosure led to an internal investigation, which confirmed the allegations to be credible,” said the DSP.

Following the inquiry, a case has been registered and all three accused - including the two police officials - have been arrested. The DSP added that strict departmental and legal action will be taken against those found guilty to ensure transparency and accountability in the police force.

SSP Maninder Singh said that strict departmental action will be taken against any police personnel found indulging in unlawful or unethical practices.