Why Were Two Cops Suspended for Extorting Money in West Bengal's Birbhum?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two police officers suspended for extortion.
- Truck owners' association protests against police corruption.
- Departmental inquiry initiated.
- Public outrage over police misconduct.
- SP promises strict legal action.
Kolkata, Oct 15 (NationPress) Two Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) from the Mohammad Bazar Police Station in Birbhum district, West Bengal, have faced suspension due to serious allegations of extorting funds from truck owners, according to police reports released on Wednesday.
The decision for suspension came after the president of a truck owners' association published a video showing these officers allegedly collecting bribes from truck drivers.
On Tuesday, Anas Ahmed, the President of the Birbhum District Truck Owners Association, stated, "Our truck owners have become victims of police corruption and intimidation. These incidents occur daily, and we demand they cease immediately. If not, we will initiate a strike."
He accused the police of halting two sand-laden trucks and demanding Rs 70,000 per vehicle for their release, summing up to Rs 1,40,000 collected in total. This led the Truck Owners Association to protest the behavior.
Ahmed further organized a press conference in Mohammadbazar on Tuesday and showcased the video, condemning the police for accepting bribes to release stone-laden trucks.
In response, Birbhum SP Amandeep noted that two videos circulated on social media on Tuesday evening that captured the two ASIs, Shafiul Alam and Kiran Mondal, in uniform accepting money from individuals. Both officers were promptly suspended, and a departmental investigation has commenced.
The SP emphasized that the police department does not condone such misconduct. A public notice was also shared on the official Facebook page of Birbhum District Police, reassuring citizens that stringent legal measures will be applied against the two officers for their actions.
"The Birbhum District Police has no association with the funds collected by the two officers," the SP clarified.