Haryana Minister Anil Vij Clashes with Police Chief Over Fraud Accused Officer
In a dramatic confrontation at a district public grievances redressal committee meeting in Kaithal, Haryana minister Anil Vij was involved in a heated exchange with Kaithal superintendent of police (SP) Upasana. The dispute centered on a police officer accused of fraud, highlighting tensions between political authority and police jurisdiction.
Minister Demands Immediate Suspension
During the meeting on Friday, Minister Anil Vij directed SP Upasana to immediately suspend ASI Sandeep Kumar, who is accused in a Rs 7 lakh land fraud case. Eyewitnesses reported that Vij insisted on swift action, reflecting his assertive stance on the matter.
SP Cites Jurisdictional Limitations
SP Upasana clarified that since ASI Sandeep Kumar is currently posted in Karnal district, she lacks the jurisdiction to suspend him. She offered to send a recommendation report to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) instead, adhering to police regulations and protocols.
Vij's Forceful Response
A furious Anil Vij reacted by stating, "I can suspend anyone in the entire state. Suspend him on my orders." This statement underscored his perceived authority, but the SP maintained her stance, emphasizing the legal and procedural constraints involved.
Resolution Through Formal Channels
The matter was finally settled after Vij asked SP Upasana to write to the DIG citing his instructions regarding the accused cop. This compromise allowed for a formal process to address the suspension request while respecting jurisdictional boundaries.
Details of the Fraud Case
A case was registered in Kaithal after ASI Sandeep Kumar allegedly refused to return Rs 7 lakh to a buyer after his land documents were found incorrect. The ASI was also accused of using his influence to slow down the investigation and getting the case transferred to the economic cell in Karnal, complicating the legal proceedings.
Echoes of a Past Confrontation
This incident comes 10 years after Anil Vij was involved in a similar confrontation with the then Fatehabad superintendent of police, Sangeeta Kalia, over the issue of drug control. The recurrence of such clashes suggests a pattern of assertive political interventions in police matters, raising questions about governance and accountability in Haryana.
The episode at the Kaithal meeting underscores ongoing challenges in balancing political oversight with police autonomy, as authorities navigate complex fraud cases and jurisdictional issues in the state.
