Delhi Police cracks whip on its own over corruption; 5 arrested

One case pertains to a Sub-Inspector (SI). On May 13, on the directions of the Delhi High Court, the SI from North Avenue police station was arrested after it came to light that he had allegedly demanded a bribe from an accused booked in a brawl case, offering to help him procure bail.

The brawl was between two groups at RML Hospital and cross FIRs were lodged at North Avenue police station.

On May 7, the HC heard the anticipatory bail plea of one of the accused, a proclaimed offender, said police. During the hearing, his counsel told the court that the investigating officer, the SI — who was in court — was blackmailing his client’s relatives and demanding a bribe to help the accused get anticipatory bail. As evidence, the counsel produced 11 printouts of screenshots of chats between the SI and the accused’s sister-in-law.

The SI admitted in court that the printouts reflected his cellphone number. Police said some of the printouts were of a screenshot of a Paytm transaction of money transferred to a person as directed by the SI.

Following this, the HC directed that appropriate action be taken against the SI in accordance with the law, and he was arrested.

In another incident, police said a head constable was arrested on April 15 for allowing a meat shop to operate in Paschim Vihar West by allegedly accepting a Rs 1 lakh bribe. On April 14, an ASI was arrested on April 14 for allegedly demanding Rs 2 lakh for allowing construction work at the residence of a retired police personnel, police said.

When contacted, Additional CP Aslam Khan said, “The Delhi Police has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. Apart from the multiple channels we have for people to approach us, we also hold public hearings so people can share their grievances.”

Officials in the Vigilance branch said they receive around 80-100 complaints a day via WhatsApp, and helpline numbers. “We receive written complaints… people also walk in to file complaints… Sometimes, we receive tip-offs on phones, after which flying squads swing into action. Not all complaints are converted into FIRs because some don’t have the required evidence… some don’t meet the criteria to be investigated by the Vigilance Branch and are transferred to the district police,” said an officer.