New SSP takes charge, seeks public support

Tribune news service

Patiala, July 13

Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Senior Superintendent of Police, assumed office on Friday here at Patiala. He replaced the IPS officer S Bhupathi, who has been transferred and posted as AIG, Vigilance Bureau.

Known for his transparent approach to work, Sidhu has earlier served as SSP in various districts of Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib and Khanna. During his last stint as SSP Sangrur, he promoted skating and shooting clubs in the police lines providing the best of facilities for the children of policemen. His posting in Patiala is seen to curb the growing menace of illegal gambling and bribery allegations against policemen. In the past almost a month, more than five policemen from Patiala have been arrested for accepting bribe.

Later, in the evening Sidhu held a meeting of all SHOs and senior officers in the district and asked them to pull up their socks and ensure that they act against drug peddlers and the illegal gambling dens, operating in their areas. “I will not tolerate any laxity when it comes to police approach to anti social elements,” he told the officers.

He also  said: “I look forward to interact with people of the city. Without public support, police cannot work at its best. And so I plan to initiate regular public and police meetings soon”. Sidhu said the priority would be accorded to gaining the confidence of people.