In a major step, DGP BS Sidhu has dissolved Special Operation Group (SOG), formed to investigate the PG Course Admission controversy involving Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT), Jolly Grant in Dehradun. According to top cop of the State, its members had sought to downplay the matter by suppressing the amount they were supposed to have recovered from the swindlers.
It is also learnt that SOG had not brought the senior police officers on board regarding the progress of the probe into the scam. Dehradun SP Rural Manikant Mishra was transferred and attached to Police Headquarters as police suspected he was involved in the SOG’s suppression move.
SP vigilance Girish Chandra Dhyani has been appointed SP rural of Dehradun. Two SOG members — SOG in-charge sub-inspector Ravindra Yadav and Nehru Colony police station constable Sugampal- were suspended as they had allegedly dealt with the swindlers to sort out the case. The remaining SOG members named Vikki, Abhishek, lalit, Devendra, Sunil Rana, Pramod, Anil, Ankur, Vipin and Sunil have been transferred to other districts of the state with immediate effect. SOG consisted of 11 members — Sub-Inspectors, eight constables and one driver, it is learnt.
“The SOG will soon be re-constituted. Departmental action will be taken against the suspended policemen,” said DGP Sidhu. Notably, with the alleged deal of SOG police officer with the scamsters hogging the media glare, DGP Sidhu had appointed SSP, police quarters, IPS Dr Sadanand Date to conduct inquiry into role of SOG vis-à-vis the case. Date had submitted report to the DGP BS Sidhu on Tuesday evening.
The report said that some of SOG members had downplayed the scam by suppressing the amount they were supposed to have recovered from the swindlers. Besides, the senior cops were kept at bay as far as the probe was concerned.