The trapping of Bhavanipuram sub-inspector of police Rama Rao and constable Ravindra while they were taking bribe in a case of a sexual harassment of a woman by an auto-rickshaw driver in the third week of June brought into sharp focus the propensity of some policemen to indulge in such things which tarnish the image of the Police Department.
Mr. Rama Rao has allegedly demanded Rs. 10,000 from the auto driver for hushing up the case but the latter has promptly approached ACB and got the cops rounded up.
Though the bribe amount was not big, the fact that the SI stooped to the level highlighted the need to discipline the corrupt elements in the department. The issue was quickly in the news headlines and the Police Commissioner B. Sreenivasulu lost no time in sending out a stern warning to those looking out for extra earnings through dubious avenues.
It even came up for discussion in the month’s crime review meeting that was chaired by the city’s top cop, who ordered that strong disciplinary action should be taken on the police personnel bringing disrepute to the department by their actions.
Mr. Sreenivasulu said allegations of corruption would not be tolerated but it remains to be seen how he tackles the menace. There were also many instances of policemen interfering in civil disputes obviously for illegal gratification. These things require a concerted action to boost the sagging morale of the department.
