In a strong message of accountability, Chandigarh Police suspended five personnel on Wednesday after they were found deficient in their duties during surprise inspections of law-and-order checkpoints. The action comes days after the daylight murder of a chemist shop cashier in Sector 11 exposed serious lapses in naka enforcement.
Suspended Personnel
The suspended officers include Sub-Inspector Bachhitar Singh of Sector 11 police station, Senior Constable Robbin and Constable Suman from Sukhna Lake police post, Constable Deeksha of Sector 3, and Senior Constable Jaspal Kaur of IT Park police station.
Orders Issued by SSP
The suspension orders were issued by officiating Senior Superintendent of Police Sumer Partap Singh after surprise checks of police nakas set up across the city as part of intensified anti-crime and anti-gangster operations. The SSP stated that the personnel were found deficient in performing their duties and were suspended with immediate effect.
Context of the Disciplinary Action
The action comes just four days after 45-year-old pharmacy cashier Janki Das was shot dead inside a chemist shop in Sector 11 market. Armed assailants fired 13 rounds at close range before escaping. Eyewitnesses claimed the attackers fled despite a police naka being present only a few metres away. The escape has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of visible policing measures.
Investigation and Manhunt
Investigators have identified three shooters and launched a multi-state manhunt, leading to the arrest of two accused on Wednesday evening. The murder is believed to be linked to an extortion network, with Canada-based gangster Goldy Dhillon claiming responsibility via social media posts and audio messages.
Internal Accountability
The surprise inspections were ordered by DGP Dr Sagar Preet Hooda as part of a wider review of field policing and naka performance following the Sector 11 shooting. Speaking to The Tribune, Dr Hooda emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and negligence within the force. He stated that any police officer found negligent or deficient in duty will face strict action, as accountability begins at home when public safety is involved.
Wider Implications
The suspensions come as Chandigarh Police intensifies naka checking, surveillance, and intelligence-based operations after the murder, which revived memories of earlier extortion threats in the same market. Senior officers indicated that surprise inspections of nakas and police deployments will continue, with performance audits expected across police stations and field units to address operational gaps exposed by the high-profile murder.
The latest action signals that the fallout from the Sector 11 shooting extends beyond the criminal investigation into an internal review of policing practices. The leadership aims to demonstrate that accountability will not stop at pursuing gangsters but will also include personnel found wanting in the line of duty.
