Policing integrity

CORRUPTION and negligence in law enforcement have long eroded public trust and the rule of law. Recent actions by Punjab and Haryana to hold errant officers accountable mark a pivotal step towards restoring faith in police institutions. Punjab’s dismissal of DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu for facilitating an in-custody interview with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi underscores a zero-tolerance stance. By providing a “studio-like facility” for a criminal, Sandhu not only glorified crime but also risked enabling further illegal activity. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had rightly condemned the incident, prompting the state government to act decisively. Similarly, Haryana’s termination of nine police personnel for negligence in a triple murder case highlights an equally resolute approach. The Yamunanagar Superintendent of Police has sent a strong message that complacency in law enforcement will not be tolerated.

These dismissals, however, point to a larger issue: systemic corruption within the police force. In Punjab, over 30 police officers have been arrested for graft in the past two years. Haryana’s record is equally troubling — nearly one-third of the 104 trap cases initiated by the state Anti-Corruption Bureau last year involved police personnel. Such widespread misconduct tarnishes the credibility of the entire institution.

A systemic overhaul is vital to prevent further breaches of ethics and responsibility. Strengthening accountability mechanisms, ensuring transparent internal investigations and instituting independent oversight are critical. The emphasis on zero tolerance must extend to higher ranks, leaving no room for impunity. Public perception of the police hinges on integrity and discipline. While the recent actions in Punjab and Haryana are commendable, they must evolve into sustained reforms. Only then can law enforcement reclaim its role as a pillar of justice and rebuild its image in the eyes of the public.