Cops spotted drinking liquor with suspects, suspended

In the 2 minute, 56-second-long video, an assistant sub-inspector and a constable are seen sitting with the accused, while a liquor bottle and a water flask are kept on the investigating officer’s table.

Two policemen were suspended on Saturday after a video of them allegedly singing and drinking liquor with two suspects inside Sector 37 police station was shared across social media.

Two policemen were suspended on Saturday after a video of them allegedly singing and drinking liquor with two suspects inside Sector 37 police station was shared across social media. (Representative Image)(PTI)

In the 2 minute, 56-second-long video, an assistant sub-inspector and a constable are seen sitting with the accused, while a liquor bottle and a water flask are kept on the investigating officer’s table. The police said it was possible that the video was shot by a policeman at the station.

Police commissioner Muhammad Akil said that the case in which the accused were arrested has been transferred to the crime branch and an explanation has been sought from the station house officer (SHO) for alleged flouting of norms.

“I have initiated a departmental inquiry against the two policemen seen sitting with the accused, who were arrested on Friday. The officials made them sit in the investigating officer’s room and the video shows them drinking, abusing and singing,” he said. The accused are even heard saying that they would sleep in the officer’s room, instead of lock-up.

The police said the two accused included a former village sarpanch, who was charged with assaulting the husband and father-in-law of a woman constable earlier this week.

The police said the accused have been kept in the lock-up and that an investigation is also being carried out to check if there were any complaint against the officials in the past. Akil said that apart from partying with the accused, they did not even bother to follow the dress code while being on duty. They were seen dressed in plain clothes and even without shirts.

“The job of police officials is to protect residents and take action against those who commit crimes. There are lock-ups meant for criminals in each police station, but these policemen are seen treating the accused like guests. This cannot be tolerated,” added Akil.