Why Were Two Police Officers in Bihar Suspended?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, Jan 2 (NationPress) The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Champaran Range, Harkishore Rai, has taken decisive action by suspending two officers from the Sugauli police station in Bihar due to allegations of negligence and misconduct in the investigation of a tragic road accident case.
This decision came after significant deficiencies were uncovered in the investigation of Sugauli Police Station Case No. 438/25, which pertains to the death of Mohd Alias, who tragically lost his life in a tractor accident on August 15, 2025.
A report from Motihari Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat indicated that the dismissed officers allegedly tried to protect the accused involved in the incident.
The victim's spouse, Imtari Khatoon, had filed a First Information Report (FIR) against an unidentified individual. However, it was found that instead of conducting a thorough inquiry, Circle Inspector Ashok Kumar Pandey purportedly conspired with the tractor's owner, Brajesh Kumar Mishra, shortly after the incident.
Pandey is accused of coercing the victim's family into accepting a sum of Rs 60,000 as compensation, while attempting to erase the owner's name from the case through an informal settlement resembling a “panchayat”.
A crucial finding during the investigation revealed that the tractor owner's sibling is a serving Sub-Inspector in the Bihar Police. Call Detail Records (CDRs) indicated ongoing communication between Circle Inspector Pandey and this individual.
Allegedly under this influence, there was a deliberate delay of over four months in the required supervision note for the case, aimed at shielding the primary accused, according to the report.
In light of these discoveries, DIG Harkishore Rai ordered the suspension of Ashok Kumar Pandey, Circle Inspector of Sugauli, and Nidhi Kumari, Investigating Sub-Inspector of Sugauli.
Furthermore, the DIG has requested a comprehensive explanation from Nidhi Kumari as part of the departmental inquiry.
This situation was brought to light during a public grievance meeting led by SP Swarn Prabhat, which prompted the assignment of trainee Deputy Superintendent of Police Rishabh Kumar to carry out an in-depth investigation. His findings were crucial to the subsequent disciplinary measures.
Senior police officials emphasized that stringent actions will be enforced against any officer engaging in corrupt practices or attempting to damage the reputation of the police force, regardless of rank or influence.