The purge is underway in Punjab’s police force as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) - led State Government tightened its grip on corruption. In a bold and unprecedented move, 52 police officials, including inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs), head constables, and constables, have been dismissed over the past ten days for their involvement in corrupt practices, malpractices, criminal activities or prolonged absenteeism.
The crackdown, ordered directly by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, signaled a zero-tolerance stance against corruption, setting the stage for a larger clean-up in the state’s law enforcement and administrative machinery.
Declaring an all-out war against corruption, the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Wednesday announced the decision stating that these dismissals were recommended by the Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police (CPs/SSPs) in all districts after thorough investigations.
DGP Yadav, addressing the media, made it clear that “black sheep†within the Punjab Police will not be tolerated. At the same time, he warned that more action would follow. “This is just the beginning,†said DGP Yadav while emphasizing that Punjab Police is committed to restoring integrity and accountability.
The ousted officials include one Inspector, five ASIs, four Head Constables, and 42 constables across various districts.
“The Commissioners of Police and the SSPs, in their respective districts and commissionerates, are undertaking the exercise to identify instances where police officers have been wanted in FIRs, facing serious allegations or indulged in corrupt practices. Officers concerned have been thoroughly examining the evidence and following due procedure in each case to initiate action,†he said.
The crackdown against corruption came within a fortnight after the Chief Minister had addressed corruption within law enforcement during his meeting with police top brass, instructing the senior officials to identify and remove corrupt officers. Mann had also flagged that he had received complaints about fake FIRs registered by cops to extort money or to harass someone.
At the same time, Mann had stressed that integrity in policing is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring effective crime control. “We will not allow a few corrupt officers to tarnish the reputation of Punjab Police. Those who misuse their positions will face strict action,†he had warned.
The timing of the sweeping action also assumes significance as it comes just weeks after AAP’s shocking defeat in the Delhi Assembly bypolls, where the party faced mounting criticism over governance failures. The electoral setback prompted an urgent feedback meeting between AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab legislators on February 8 in New Delhi. During this closed-door session, multiple legislators raised red flags about several issues, including rampant corruption in Punjab Police, wrongful FIRs, lack of accountability, among other things.
Determined to salvage its credibility, AAP’s top leadership swiftly decided to crack down on errant officials — starting with the police force. The decision translated into action by removing Special DGP Varinder Kumar as the head of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau for his inaction on several high-profile cases.
That was not all! The government had also removed Sri Muktsar Sahib Deputy Commissioner (DC), also placing his services under suspension.
After the Chief Minister had voiced his concerns over police corruption, revealing that he had personally received complaints about fake FIRs being registered by officers to extort money or harass individuals, SSPs launched a comprehensive review, resulting in the dismissal of officials with serious allegations against them.
A high-profile case that further catalyzed the crackdown involved a Station House Officer (SHO) in Sadiq, Faridkot, who, along with two constables, was caught extorting money from innocent civilians. Their arrest sent shockwaves across the police department, signaling that no officer, regardless of rank, would be spared if found guilty of corruption.
DGP Yadav emphasized that Punjab Police will continue identifying and removing “black sheep†from the force. “Corruption will not be tolerated. Any official caught indulging in unethical practices will face strict legal action,†he said firmly.
Sources has also indicated that Punjab is likely to witness a major reshuffle within the police department also. The removal of Vigilance Bureau chief Varinder Kumar is just the beginning, as sources indicated that several district police chiefs are under scrutiny for inefficiency and alleged involvement in corrupt activities.
According to insiders, multiple key transfers and dismissals can be expected in the coming weeks, as the government aims to restore credibility in police operations. AAP MLAs have reportedly complained about certain SSPs and SHOs who, despite being under the party’s administration, continue to function with impunity, ignoring directives and misusing their positions for personal gains.
Punjab Police to Introduce e-FIR System in Vehicle Theft Cases
As part of its larger police reforms initiative, Punjab Police is all set to introduce an e-FIR system for motor vehicle theft cases. DGP Yadav said that this digital initiative will be rolled out within a month, allowing citizens to file FIRs online through SAANJH Kendras or dedicated e-police stations.
“Punjab Police is actively working to expand its online services from 43 to nearly 60, ensuring citizens can avail police-related services with minimal physical interaction. The aim is to reduce public-police interface in routine matters, thereby limiting opportunities for corruption and bureaucratic delays,†he said.
To further enhance transparency, Punjab Police has partnered with the Indian Police Foundation for a pilot project on internal police reforms in Mohali, Rupnagar, and Fatehgarh Sahib. This initiative will focus on improving complaint registration, response time, and officer behaviour, paving the way for a more accountable policing system, he said.
