Amidst the increasing gangster activities and deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, the state government has taken strict action. Amritsar (Rural) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Maninder Singh has been suspended. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made it clear that any officer who compromises with law and order will not be spared.
According to sources, the reason for Maninder Singh’s suspension is alleged negligence in his departmental duties and failure to take effective action in cases of growing influence of local criminals. The state government issued the order of suspension of the officer with immediate effect.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “We will not tolerate negligence of any officer in law and order matters at any cost. Ensuring security in Punjab is our priority and every possible action will be taken in this direction.” He also clarified that this suspension is not a political step of any kind, but has been taken only for the purpose of maintaining law and order.
This is the third major suspension in Punjab Police in the last one month. This clearly indicates that the state government is adopting a strict stance to ensure discipline and accountability among the police officers along with taking strict action against the criminals. In previous suspensions also, local police officers were removed on charges of departmental negligence.
Experts say that the increasing gangster activities in Punjab and the rise in incidents of murder, extortion, and illegal businesses have forced the state government to take a tough stance. He said that it is necessary to make the officers active, alert and responsible towards the public, so that the confidence of common citizens remains on the police system.
After the suspension of Maninder Singh in Amritsar (Rural) area, additional responsibility has now been handed over to his subordinate officers. Police administration says that special action will be taken to improve the security system in the area and keep a strict vigil on the criminals.
Local citizens and business community are seeing this move as a positive sign. He says that ensuring accountability of police officers and taking immediate action in serious cases will help in controlling criminals.
Political analysts also believe that this step of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann shows that his government is not going to show any laxity regarding law and order. He said that such decisions will strengthen discipline and accountability in the police department.