Ghaziabad: Sub-inspector suspended for ‘facilitating’ exchange of old notes

The sub inspector’s name cropped up in facilitating conversion of a trader’s old scrapped notes to new from a local bank

A sub inspector (SI) was suspended after his name cropped up in facilitating conversion of a trader’s old scrapped notes to new from a local bank. The sub inspector was posted as police post in charge at Nandgram in Ghaziabad. Officials said that a week ago a person had alleged that SI Anil Yadav had facilitated exchange of old notes worth Rs6-7 lakh from a bank.

While citizens are queuing up outside ATMs and banks to get cash, there have been instances where people were caught with huge amount of new currency notes. (Sakib Ali/HT File)

“We registered a complaint and found that the SI’s activity was suspicious and probed allegations of his involvement in the illegal exchange of currency. He was suspended. A detailed inquiry is being conducted by a circle officer. Further action will be decided once we get the inquiry report. The amount of alleged conversion could be around Rs6-7 lakh,” said Deepak Kumar, senior superintendent of police, Ghaziabad.

He added that the SI was suspended as it was not the job of police to facilitate any exchange of notes but to enforce law and order.

The incident comes after Virender Jatav, the district president of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), was seen in a TV sting where he allegedly claimed to get old notes converted to new on a commission. He was removed from the post by the BSP leadership. Jatav had denied his involvement and said that he was ready to face any inquiry.

Ghaziabad lead bank manager RS Meena said that teams of I-T department, enforcement directorate and other agencies are working to nab such people.

“We had also suggested to the district magistrate to form an independent vigilance team to check activities in banks. We are also trying to bring in more cash and situation of supply will soon improve,” said Meena.