Seven police officers, including the former Superintendent of Police in Ferozepur district and two Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officers, have been suspended in connection with a security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab last year.
The incident occurred on January 5, 2022, during the Prime Minister’s attendance at a rally ahead of the Assembly polls. Protesters had blocked the route, causing a 20-minute delay for the Prime Minister’s convoy on a flyover.
Criticism ensued from the BJP, pointing fingers at the then Charanjit Singh Channi government for the security lapse. In response, the Congress argued that last-minute alterations were made to the Prime Minister’s travel plans. A committee appointed by the Supreme Court to investigate the security breach identified several state officers as responsible.
The present Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government has taken action by suspending a total of seven police officers involved in the lapse. Gurbinder Singh, the former Ferozepur police chief now serving as Bathinda SP, had already faced suspension earlier.
A recent order dated November 22 identifies six more officers to face disciplinary measures. Among them are DSPs Parson Singh and Jagdish Kumar, Inspectors Jatinder Singh and Balwinder Singh, Sub-Inspector Jaswant Singh, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Ramesh Kumar, as per the state home department order.
According to the order, all seven officers will undergo action under Rule 8 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970. The potential penalties under these rules range from the withholding of promotions to dismissal from service.
Parvasi Media Group