Court dismisses anticipatory bail plea of former Punjab DSP

The court further observed, “Even though, certain persons have put in appearance through their counsels in the court denying the allegations levelled against the applicant. However, the State has in its possession other evidence to prima facie satisfy its allegation that applicant was running an extortion racket by misusing his official position and indulging in benami transaction and laundering proceeds of the crime.”

Noting that the police officer has been accused of extortion, land grabbing, illicit dealings, and laundering proceeds of crime, the court said, “Such audacious acts could not have flourished without the covert shield of protection and patronage from influential higher-ups. The ramifications of such misconduct extend far beyond individual corruption.”

“The custodial interrogation of the applicant is imperative to expose the hidden networks of protection and patronage — whether political or departmental/institutional — that enabled these alleged acts of criminality,” the court pointed out in its order.

Thereafter, it said, “Furthermore, it is essential for the investigating agency to unearth the trail of illicit proceeds and delve deeper into the applicant’s other unlawful activities. This is not merely a matter of individual accountability; it is a vital step toward restoring the integrity of governance and reaffirming society’s commitment to justice. In the aforesaid view of the matter, the applicant does not deserve the concession of pre-arrest bail. Accordingly bail application stands dismissed.”

Sandhu was booked for forgery by the Punjab Police in October last year after an inquiry conducted by a deputy inspector general of police rank officer on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.