Assandh CIA ex-incharge suspended for demanding Rs37L bribe in murder case

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

The suspended personnel have been identified as inspector Mandeep Singh, who was then incharge of CIA Assandh, and head constable Rishi. They are accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 37 lakh to remove the names of an accused from the FIR related to the murder of a woman named Sumitra Devi.

The police have already arrested nine accused in the murder case. During the investigation, it came to light that a bribe had been demanded, following which a DSP was assigned to conduct an 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. 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 cognisance of the matter and ordered both 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, arriving in a black SUV, stormed the house of Dalbir Singh and opened fire. The woman was killed on the spot and her husband and son sustained severe injuries. Villagers rushed the victims to Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC), where the woman was declared dead.

During the attack, several rounds were reportedly fired. Initial investigation pointed to personal enmity as the motive. The 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