The Central Bureau of Investigation has instituted a preliminary inquiry against a Central Reserve Police Force Inspector General following allegations of irregularities in procurements for the force during his tenure.
“The inquiry has been initiated against CRPF Inspector General S.S. Sandhu following allegations of criminal misconduct in the process of various purchases for CRPF personnel,” said a CBI spokesperson.
The official said Mr. Sandhu has also been accused of possessing multiple health cards in contravention of the service rules. The preliminary enquiry was instituted after the Union Home Ministry forwarded a complaint for further investigations and necessary action. “We initiated a probe as the documents indicated prima facie suspected role of the CRPF officer,” said the official.
A few weeks back, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had upheld the Union Home Ministry’s decision to demote Mr. Sandhu on the basis of some discrepancies in his physical fitness record. He was subsequently demoted and transferred to Silchar in Assam. Mr. Sandhu had moved a petition in the High Court after he was declared unfit and thus, not eligible for a promotion to the rank of Inspector General.
Mr. Sandhu then filed an appeal, on which the High Court ordered status quo to be maintained on his rank as Inspector General till the next hearing, asking the Central Government to file objections, if any, to the appeal.
