Umranangal not reinstated: Sukhbir
Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday dubbed reports pertaining to the "reinstatement" of suspended DIG Paramraj Singh Umranangal, a 1995-batch IPS officer, as false and baseless.
Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday dubbed reports pertaining to the "reinstatement" of suspended DIG Paramraj Singh Umranangal, a 1995-batch IPS officer, as false and baseless.
"There is no question of the Punjab government reinstating the deputy inspector general (DIG) within days of his suspension. All speculation and media reports regarding his reinstatement have no basis and have been done with a figment of imagination. The government has issued no order to reinstate the DIG," said Sukhbir, who also holds the portfolio of home affairs and justice.
Sukhbir, who was accompanied by Punjab director general of police (DGP) Sumedh Singh Saini, said the state government was still conducting an inquiry into the DIG's "professional misconduct".
However, he refused to specify the reason for which Umranangal was placed under suspension on Saturday.
According to the state government order, Umranangal, who was posted as DIG (border range), was suspended for not performing his duties efficiently and for creating indiscipline in the border range.
Sukhbir, however, skirted the issue when asked if the state government would recommend to the Centre for taking away the gallantry medal and cash reward conferred upon Umranangal for "killing" dreaded terrorist Gurnam Singh Bandala, alias Neela Tara.
Umranangal is facing an inquiry for "eliminating" one Sukhpal Singh of Kala Afghana village in place of Bandala in 1994, when he was posted as the deputy superintendent of police (DSP) at Rupnagar. Even after nearly six years, the inquiry against Umranangal is still incomplete.
Sukhbir said the DGP would be a in a better position to answer the question. However, DGP Saini also chose to keep mum on the issue.