Did Rajasthan Police Take Strong Action Against Sand Mafia Collusion?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Five SHOs suspended due to negligence in duty.
- Six officers transferred to the Reserve Police.
- Operation revealed serious lapses in policing.
- Departmental inquiries initiated against errant officers.
- Clear message sent: no tolerance for illegal mining.
Jaipur, Dec 22 (NationPress) In a decisive effort to combat illegal sand mining and suspected police collusion, the Rajasthan Police Headquarters' Vigilance Branch has implemented strict measures against delinquent officers statewide, as reported by police officials on Monday.
Following a comprehensive decoy operation initiated under the guidance of Additional Director General of Police (Vigilance) S. Sengathir, five Station House Officers (SHOs) have been suspended immediately, while six others have been reassigned to the Reserve Police.
ADG Sengathir stated that the actions were prompted after 11 specialized teams, organized per the instructions of the Rajasthan Police Headquarters, executed covert operations across various districts on December 18 and 19.
The police teams, masquerading as regular citizens, evaluated the operations of police stations, checkpoints, and patrolling frameworks.
The operation unveiled grave deficiencies, including neglect of responsibility and alleged complicity in the unlawful transportation of sand at multiple police stations throughout the state.
Consequently, the Police Headquarters suspended the SHOs from Shivdaspura (Jaipur South), Piplu and Barauni (Tonk), Pisangan (Ajmer), and Kotwali (Dholpur) on December 21.
Moreover, the SHOs from the following police stations have been transferred: Gulabpura (Bhilwara), Kunhadi and Nanta (Kota city), Lalsot (Dausa), Gangrar (Chittorgarh), and Luni (Jodhpur West).
Departmental inquiries have been initiated against all involved officers.
The Police Headquarters has communicated a clear directive that any form of complicity or negligence regarding illegal mining, transportation, or storage of sand will be met with strict consequences.
District Superintendents of Police have been instructed to ensure prompt disciplinary measures against any guilty personnel, officials added.
The Rajasthan Police Headquarters has also mandated the Inspector Generals of Police for Jaipur, Kota, Bharatpur, and Ajmer ranges to initiate disciplinary action against 15 police personnel from 11 police stations identified during the operation.
Previously, in November, the Vigilance Branch carried out a similar statewide operation targeting broader issues, such as failure to register zero FIRs, misconduct towards complainants, and negligence in managing cybercrime cases, in addition to evaluating the functioning of complaint sections within Superintendents of Police offices and the treatment of women at women's police station desks.