CHANDIGARH: Taking advantage of the abnormal situation decade-long militancy in Punjab, police and civil officials have, over the past few years, acquired huge assets and amassed wealth.
Certain police and civil officers have not lagged behind in acquiring large properties and amassing wealth the former using more blatant means, this is indicated by the inquiries the Government has held into some of the cases.
In one case, two senior police officers have made a lot of money in a property deal. It is alleged that a unit of the Central security force had occupied a building in Amritsar which is commanding officer refused to vacate and helped someone acquire it at a cheap price. The buyer sold it with a huge profit. The Government ordered a confidential inquiry against the two police officers.
In another case, a DSP allegedly grabbed an area during his stay in an important city, A market has been constructed on that land, The Government has held an inquiry into the matter, but no action has held against a police officer who has built a palatial bungalow and sent his family to the United States. However, there was no outcome.
A secret probe held by the Government into the affairs of the finance companies which had mushroomed in Amritsar revealed that many police officers of the border districts were hand in glove with the owners of these companies.
Apart from such specific cases, charges are being increasingly leveled against the police for indulging in extortions and excesses. Certain civil officers have also allegedly amassed wealth by taking advantage of the abnormal conditions in the state.
The Government ordered an inquiry some time back into the charge of corruption against an JAS officer in the payment of those who were being compensated for their properties acquired for the Golden Temple beautification scheme. But no action has been taken so far.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 20, 1991
