In a major crackdown on police personnel caught in a sting operation accepting bribes, the Maharashtra Government has ordered the suspension of 36 police constables in the metropolis.
The sting operation, conducted by a social activist, showed policemen accepting bribe to turn a blind eye to ongoing illegal constructions at Kurla in north-central Mumbai.
After a Marathi television channel aired the footage of the sting operation, State Home Minister RR Patil ordered the suspension of police constables concerned.
Announcing the suspension of 36 errant constables, Patil said: “This is the first time that action has been taken against so many policemen. If more senior police officials are involved, action will be taken against them as well”.
The action against the 36 police constables comes a week after the collapse of a seven storey building at Mumbra, in which 74 people were killed and 60-odd others injured. The collapse had led to a major public uproar and consequent arrest of two builders and nine others who colluded with the duo in the construction of the illegal building.
Reacting to the incident, Mumbai Police Commissioner Satya Pal said: “This is a shameful episode for the police department. All 36 have been suspended. All of them are constables, no officers. The inquiry is on. If anyone else found guilty, will also be punished”.