ASI in viral ‘chitta’ video dismissed

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, August 22

Acting on the orders of Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Jorawar Singh of the Punjab Police was on Saturday dismissed over the viral video showing him taking chitta (synthetic drug).

Tarn Taran SSP Dhruman H Nimbale has issued the notification dismissing the ASI. The CM has also warned of strict action against any personnel in uniform found indulging in criminal acts.

Taking a serious note of the viral video, also reported by a section of the media on Friday, the Chief Minister, during his #AskCaptain Facebook Live session, had announced his decision to dismiss the ASI after an inquiry.

With the inquiry prima facie showing evidence that the Jorawar Singh, posted at Sarai Amanat Khan police station in Tarn Taran, was consuming drugs using a lighter and foil paper, as seen in the video, according to an official spokesperson.

Capt, who also holds the home portfolio, felt that retention of the ASI in service would be detrimental to the interests of the state, the police force as well as the people. The dismissal was necessary to send a strong message that the state government would not tolerate such a criminal practice, especially from those in uniform, felt the Chief Minister.

The spokesperson said not only was the dismissal essential to prevent erosion of the police and government image in the eye of the people, but also for the success of the anti-drug fight of the state government.

The Chief Minister has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta to ensure that such criminal acts by men in the force are not allowed at any cost.

Activist’s info leaked

• An anti-drug crusader in Muktsar district, Ranjit Singh, has alleged that the information he has been sharing about drug peddlers with the police was leaked and even his identity was not kept secret
• He says drug peddlers threaten him for sharing their information with the police. In his complaint to senior officers, he has sought action
• Gidderbaha DSP Gurtej Singh said the police had started a probe. TNS