Former CIA officer, constable suspended for demanding Rs 37 lakh bribe in murder case

Karnal Superintendent of Police (SP) Ganga Ram Punia has suspended two police personnel, including former in-charge of the CIA Assandh unit, after serious corruption allegations surfaced in connection with the murder investigation of a woman named Sumitra Devi in Manpura village. A case has also been registered against them under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The suspended personnel have been identified as inspector Mandeep Singh, who was then in-charge of CIA Assandh, and head constable Rishi. Both have been accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 37 lakh to remove the names of the accused from the FIR related to the murder.

During the investigation, it came to light that a bribe had been demanded, following which the DSP was assigned to conduct a formal inquiry.

“A case has been registered against Mandeep Singh and Rishi for demanding a bribe of Rs 37 lakh. Both have been placed under suspension and the DSP is conducting the inquiry,” said SP Ganga Ram Punia.

“A departmental inquiry has been initiated against both the accused police personnel,” the SP added.

The action follows an internal inquiry conducted at the DSP level, which revealed a monetary deal allegedly struck to shield the accused. SP Punia took immediate cognizance of the matter and ordered the suspension and registration of a case against the erring officers.

The woman was shot dead on the evening of March 12 in Manpura village when masked attackers stormed the house of Dalbir Singh and opened fire. The woman was killed on the spot, while her husband and son sustained severe injuries. Villagers rushed the victims to Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC), where the woman was declared dead. Initial investigations pointed to a personal enmity as the motive.

Police have arrested nine persons in the case, including Attar Singh — for whom the alleged bribe was demanded. After his arrest, Attar’s father, Kaptan Singh, met the SP and filed a formal complaint, triggering the inquiry.

Haryana Tribune