Ranchi cops demand Rs 500 bribe from renowned economist Jean Drèze | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Ranchi cops demand Rs 500 bribe from renowned economist Jean Drèze

Hindustan Times | ByAnbwesh Roy Choudhury, Ranchi
Dec 15, 2015 09:40 PM IST

Globally renowned development economist Jean Dreze on Tuesday lodged a complaint of harassment and attempted bribery against two Jharkhand policemen, saying they demanded Rs 500 from him to release his two-wheeler.

Globally renowned development economist Jean Drèze on Tuesday lodged a complaint of harassment and attempted bribery against two Jharkhand policemen, saying they demanded Rs 500 from him to release his two-wheeler.

Jean Drèze is a noted development economist.(Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)
Jean Drèze is a noted development economist.(Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)

Belgian born Drèze, an honorary professor at the Delhi School of Economics (DSE), lodged the complaint -- a copy of which is with Hindustan Times -- against Lalpur police sub-inspector BN Singh and assistant sub-inspector Suresh Thakur with the Ranchi deputy commissioner.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The policemen were suspended after the complaint. Ranchi superintendent of police Jaya Roy has ordered a probe into the matter. “The matter is being followed up by the Ranchi police,” said Ranchi deputy commissioner Manoj Kumar.

In his complaint Drèze said: “On December 13, a bike I borrowed from a colleague, was missing from outside Ranchi College… I went to the Gonda police station to lodge a complaint. I was directed to the Lalpur police. After two days, on December 15, they told me that the bike was picked by them allegedly to stave off a bike theft.”

“He (Suresh Thakur) asked for Rs 500 bribe to release the bike. I refused. For two days, I was harassed and asked irrelevant questions,” said Drèze.

The complaint said: “Since the Ranchi Police can obviously not be trusted to register complaints, I am sending this complaint to you (Ranchi-DC) with a request for disciplinary action against Singh and Thakur.”

Drèze frequently visits Jharkhand for research work and activism. He usually travels on a bicycle or a borrowed motor vehicle from his colleagues, said a social activist close to him.

The economist is known for his work against corruption, on MNREGA and hunger. He was a member of the National Advisory Council during the term of the UPA government but later resigned.

Ranchi police spokesperson Prashant Bushan said: “The case will be probed by the city deputy SP Sudarshan Kumar Asthik and report will submitted to the city SP.”

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On