A constable posted in the Reserve Police Lines in Lucknow has been suspended after he uploaded a viral Facebook video accusing senior IPS officers and police officials of running an alleged extortion racket linked to duty postings and deployment assignments. The suspension came shortly after Additional Director General (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash issued statewide directions to all police units to submit monthly reports detailing disciplinary action taken against police personnel violating the department’s social media policy.
Details of the Allegations
The constable, identified as Sunil Kumar Shukla, a 2015-batch officer, leveled serious allegations against senior police officers in the video and demanded a high-level probe into the alleged corruption network operating within the reserve police lines. Addressing Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the video, Shukla alleged that policemen were forced to pay money every month in exchange for favorable duty assignments and deployment. He claimed that a systematic chain of illegal collections operated from senior IPS officers down to reserve inspectors, calculation in-charges, and guard commanders.
Sharp Remarks Against Senior Officials
Using sharp remarks against senior officials, the constable alleged that IPS officers were functioning like “black British rulers” and exploiting lower-rank personnel through a “zamindari-style extortion system.” According to Shukla, constables and clerical staff allegedly had to pay around Rs 2,000 every month to guard commanders for allocation of duties.
Departmental Inquiry Ordered
Taking serious note of the viral video, DCP (Lines) Anil Kumar Yadav had ordered a departmental inquiry into the allegations and the conduct of the constable on May 8 when the first video was made viral. The probe has been assigned to the ACP, Crime Against Women. Police officials confirmed that Shukla was on leave when he recorded and uploaded the video. Officials also stated that his wife is employed in the police department.
Context of the Controversy
The controversy erupted amid a fresh crackdown by the UP Police headquarters on social media violations by police personnel. Police said further action in the matter would depend on the findings of the inquiry report. The case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and social media misuse within the police force.
