State Police in introspection mode as ACB action nets high number of PSIs

Sub-Inspector is crucial for investigations in field units and even Probationary PSIs are falling prey to corruption has shaken the police ranks

By Dheeraj Fartode

For State Police it's a matter of worry as the system's backbone, the Sub-Inspector are increasing falling prey to corruption. In recent time, more numbers of officers of rank of Sub-Inspector, the most important in field force, have been netted by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). More shocking, even probationary PSIs who are yet to learn basic of policing were trapped by ACB exposing the rot that has set in the State police department. No wonder, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was livid during the review of law and order in his home town, Nagpur the other day. Incidentally, Fadnavis holds the Home Portfolio and asked probing questions to top police brass of Nagpur Police Commissionerate, it was reliably learnt.

The high attrition at PSI level also reflects on police force which is already reeling under shortage of manpower. PSI is main investigating arm in police rank and being young they also come handy for tough duty hours. The ACB has so far caught red handed about 103 Sub-Inspectors and that included 18 probationers.

Since 2012, numbers of PSIs caught while accepting bribe, is increasing every year. In year 2012, ACB netted about 18 PSI including three Probationary officers. The figure zoomed to 33 including three probationary PSIs in 2013. More dangerous trend for future of entire state police was noticed in year 2014. The ACB trapped 32 PSIs including 11 probationary officers. Probation period is of learning various modes of investigation but the trait of corruption seems to figure high in their working which is what worrying top police brass of State Police also. Over the last three years 18 probationary PSIs were arrested on corruption charges.

A senior police officer said, this facts are frustrating for entire force. Instead of doing something innovative and great work, the new recruits are more keen on making a fast buck. State police should take this as wake up call and take stern action against such officers so that service does not suffer on their account. This the officer said would also send the right message to the force.

Unit commander should set example : DGP

DGP Sanjeev Dayal

Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjeev Dayal confessed that the high number of PSIs trap by ACB is a matter of concern for the Maharashtra Police. In last DG Conference the issue was discussed at length and unit commanders were asked to set own example so that force can walk on that path. The trend of probationary officers getting caught on bribery charges is more serious and steps are being taken to arrest the slide. 

Around 25% of Probationary PSIs comes from the departmental promotion examination after clearing department examination and we would take a fresh look at the system. Every officer who indulges in corruption will face stringent action,” the DGP warned.

Praising ACB vigilance, the DGP said, ACB has done a good job in last two years and number of successful traps have increased steadily during last several years. This indicates our no nonsense stance against corruption.

Police Academy fails to inculcate 

moral values in officers? 

Retired police officials faulted the training pattern at police training academy where the new officers are not getting moral values and hence this rise in cases of corruption. It can be mentioned that ACB had also nabbed a police officer from Police Training School about two years back. This means roots of corruption can be traced to training schools and the purge needs to start from training academies. If in such early stage of career the new recruits are caught on bribe charges then their entire career is nipped in bud. So throughout the service period will the officer prove to be a beast of burden for the force?