Caught on camera: Ghaziabad cops, accused play BFFs; police chief orders an inquiry

Superintendent of police AK Maurya has initiated an inquiry in to the goof-up took place just outside his office, where the press briefing was scheduled. Promises action against errant officials

Ghaziabad: Cops and criminals are friends here, and the proof is in the picture taken at district police headquarters on Friday afternoon.

An accused poses for a picture outside the office of SP (rural) in Ghaziabad on Friday as policemen share the joke and laugh. (HT Photo)

The camaraderie between the anti-social elements and the keepers of the law and order in the district was for all to see when the six accused were brought to the office of superintendent of police (rural), for a press briefing.

The accused were arrested by the Loni police in connection with different cases of robberies with collection agents at Kavi Nagar, Loni and Indirapuram areas.

As the accused waited for the press briefing to start, their faces wore smiles instead of fear. They sat at the working table of police officers, cracked jokes with the uniformed men and also got pictures clicked in different poses, sitting or standing by their side.

Though it may take time to address the deeper problem of cops and “criminals” being friends, the major lapse in protocol did not go unnoticed.

Superintendent of police AK Maurya has initiated an inquiry in to the goof-up took place just outside his office, where the press briefing was scheduled.

The six persons arrested by Loni police are part of gang of robbers who targeted cash collection agents in different areas across the city. They have criminal cases lodged against them at Kavi Nagar, Loni and Indirapuram police stations.

“The policemen should follow the set procedure after making arrest and till the time the accused are produced before the court. In such cases when police personnel get friendly with accused, the criminals use the opportunity to flee from police custody. Such incidents have happened in Ghaziabad in past as well,” said Vikrant Sharma, a lawyer at the district court.