“This is against the basic tenets of the policing, wherein just for the sake of money, you are curtailing powers and rights of the police, so that they cannot act against the money holders or sponsors”
K Koushal
In an apparent instance of ‘legitimizing’ exaction, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu has reportedly issued an order, asking subordinates to arrange funds from different sources, thus apparently curbing their authority to take action against sponsors in future.
Talking to The Typewriter, a senior police officer, wishing anonymity revealed that Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu had issued a written order, addressing Superintendents of Police- City North, South, Rural and Headquarters, wherein they have been asked to raise funds/sponsorship.
“This is a clear cut case of encouraging corruption, wherein the authority and integrity of the police have been compromised, as they cannot take action against the sponsor from whom they have arranged funds,” said the officer, adding that this order has curbed the authority of the police with regard to the sponsors.
Meanwhile, as per the documents (in possession of The Typewriter), SSP Jammu Officer vide communication No GB/Sports/2021/71293-97/DPOJ, dated 01-11-2021, reminded above stated Superintendents of police from North, South, Rural and Headquarters about the raising of funds.
“Please refer to this office letter No GB/Sports/2021/58733-37/DPOJ, dated 1809-2021 and latest reminder No GB/Sports/2021/68999-69002/DPOJ, dated 23-01-2021, where under you were directed that sponsorship money arranged from your respective jurisdiction in connection with 5th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship-2021,” reads the order, adding “Despite lapse of more than one month nothing has been received from your end.
The order further reads, “As such, you are again directed that sponsorship money as the following may be arranged from your respective jurisdiction by means of sponsorship/advertisement and furnish the same to this office within two days positively.”
While SPs City North and South Jammu were asked to arrange Rs three lakh each, SPs Rural and Hqrs were asked to arrange Rs two lakh each. Moreover, in this order SSP Jammu made reference to All India Police Sports Control Board Instructions pertaining to collection of funds.
Questioning the rationality of the move, a senior officer of the police department said that this is nothing but legalizing ‘protection money’ (Hafta) and curbing authority of the police by binding it to act against the sponsors, who otherwise could commit any crime.
“This is against the basic tenets of the policing, wherein just for the sake of money, you are curtailing powers and rights of the police, so that they cannot act against the money holders or sponsors,” said officer, adding that even the claims mentioned in the letter regarding Police Sports Control Board Instructions are false.
When The Typewriter tried to ascertain claims of the SSP regarding Board instructions, it was found that there are no such instructions.
“We do not recommend that police of any State or Union Territory collect or raise funds for organizing any sports activity,” said an official at the Police Sports Control Board, New Delhi. He said that the Board, instead provides money to the department to organize any event.
Similarly, a senior police officer stated that besides receiving money from the Police Sports Control Board, if there is any shortage, the department has huge funds available for their disposal.
“If police can spend money on civic programmes, why they cannot spend money on their sports events,” questioned a police officer, adding that this appears to be a discreet technique to patronage few in the society, who are otherwise involved in ‘criminal activities’.
Talking to The Typewriter, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu-Chandan Kohli said that this is normal people extend support to the police under Corporate Social Responsibility and the police spend it on various public welfare programmes.
When asked about the need of shooting one after another reminder if funds were not received in the first instance, SSP Jammu appeared clueless.
Talking to The Typewriter, former Director General of Police (DGP), SP Vaid said that it is beyond his understanding why did the SSP issued a written order for seeking sponsorship.“This is true that once you have taken money from any sponsor, you are bound to be flexible on him, but in may cases sponsors want publicity, so they willingly provide funds,” SP Vaid said.
Despite repeated attempts, Director General of Police (DGP), Dilbag Singh could not be contacted.
