Punjab Government Takes Strict Action Over Laxity on Gangster Networks
Punjab Newsline, Amritsar-
The Punjab government has suspended Amritsar Rural SSP Maninder Singh with immediate effect. The action was taken following complaints that he failed to respond effectively to increasing gangster activities in the district and delayed action in several important cases. According to government sources, criminal gang activities had been rising in the Amritsar Rural region over the past few months, but the police response was reportedly not up to the required level. Taking the matter seriously, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann issued the suspension order.
IPS officer Maninder Singh is from the 2019 batch. Before taking charge as SSP of Amritsar Rural, he served as ACP in the Amritsar City Police Commissionerate. He has also worked as SP in Tarn Taran district. His service profile includes a significant role as ADC (Aide-de-Camp) to the Governor of Punjab. Although he was known as a young and energetic officer, the failure to curb the growing gangster activities in the rural belt led to this action by the government.
Earlier Signals and Tough Stance During By-Election
During the Tarn Taran by-election campaign, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had already hinted that the state would not tolerate gangsterism, mafia networks, or criminal elements at any level. He stated that previous governments had allowed such forces to grow and disrupt Punjab’s environment, but the current government was working rapidly towards restoring law and order. Mann reiterated that there would be no place for criminals in Punjab and that the state would soon be completely free from gangster networks.
Earlier as well, just before the polling for the Tarn Taran by-election, the Election Commission of India had suspended Tarn Taran SSP Dr. Ravjot Kaur Grewal. The Shiromani Akali Dal had accused her of acting under the influence of the Aam Aadmi Party and allegedly registering false cases against Akali workers. Taking the complaint seriously, the Election Commission removed her from the post just three days before voting. Notably, Dr. Ravjot was the first woman SSP of Tarn Taran and had taken charge only two months earlier. She was replaced by Surinder Lamba as the new SSP.