Patna, July 3 (IANS) In a major disciplinary action, the Bihar Police have suspended 10 police personnel, including the Station House Officer (SHO) of Salkhua Police Station in Saharsa district, following allegations of touting and interference in police investigations.

The action came after a surprise inspection conducted by Kosi Range DIG Kumar Ashish, during which an alleged tout was arrested, and original police case files were recovered from his possession.

According to DIG Kumar Ashish, the action was initiated after a video went viral, allegedly showing an unauthorised individual sitting inside the SHO’s office and appearing to influence police investigations.

Taking serious note of the allegations and acting on the directions of the Director General of Police (DGP), the DIG conducted a surprise inspection of Salkhua Police Station on July 2.

During the operation, police intercepted a man riding a blue Pulsar motorcycle near Gauspur Temple.

He was identified as Satish Kumar, a resident of Bahuarwa village under the Salkhua police station area. A search of Satish Kumar’s bag allegedly led to the recovery of a laptop, keyboard, mouse, and several original case files and case diaries belonging to different police stations.

Given the seriousness of the matter, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Simri Bakhtiyarpur SDPO Mukesh Thakur was constituted to investigate the allegations.

According to the preliminary findings, Satish Kumar had allegedly been operating from within the police station premises for a considerable period. Investigators suspect he was interfering in police investigations, extorting money from members of the public, and preparing case diaries on his laptop for unauthorised purposes.

DIG Kumar Ashish said such activities had seriously damaged the credibility and image of the police department. Based on the investigation, Salkhua Police Station Case No. 107/26 has been registered.

Satish Kumar has been arrested and booked under Sections 316(3), 318(4), 338, 336(3), and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He has been remanded to judicial custody.

The police personnel whose case files were allegedly found in the possession of the accused have been suspended with immediate effect and transferred to the police lines pending departmental proceedings.

The suspended officials are identified as SHO Mukesh Kumar Singh, Sub-Inspector Subalal Paswan, Sub-Inspector Pankaj Kumar, Sub-Inspector Juhi Kumari, Sub-Inspector Shishupal Ravidas, Sub-Inspector Amod Kumar, Sub-Inspector Chandrajit Prabhakar, Sub-Inspector Pinky Kumari, Sub-Inspector Jyotish Kumar, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Manisha Kumari. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against all ten officials.

DIG Kumar Ashish said the investigation is continuing to identify any other individuals involved in the alleged racket.

“Others involved in the matter are also being identified, and no guilty person will be spared. If the public has information regarding touting or any other illegal activity at any police station or police office, they should inform the police immediately. The identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential. Eradicating illegal practices like touting from the police department and strengthening the police’s credibility are among the department’s top priorities,” he said.

Police said further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

–IANS

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