SSP warns black sheep in force, video goes viral

Perneet Singh & Anirudh Gupta
Tribune News Service
Bathinda/Ferozepur, June 16

Ferozepur SSP Sandeep Goel resorted to some plain speak at a recent anti-drug event in the district, stating that nothing is possible without the connivance of the police, while promising to put behind the bars the “black sheep” in the force.

Addressing a gathering in the presence of top district administration and police officials, the SSP said, “You have shown us the mirror. If we fail in our duty, I am responsible for it, being the SSP of the district, I publicly accept it. Any policeman running away from his duty despite drawing huge salary should be ashamed of himself. Let me tell them your child will pay for it, if you indulge in corrupt practices.”

The SSP was addressing the public during the valedictory event to discuss ways and means to tackle drug trafficking following a series of police-public interface sessions at Makhu, Mamdot, Guruharsahai and Ferozepur (Urban) in which senior STF officials, including its chief Gurpreet Deo and other officials, also participated.

In these interactive sessions, several people came forward to express their resentment over the working of certain policemen in their area, who they alleged, were hand in glove with peddlers. People from rural belt complained that they were subjected to harassment, if they provided any information about drug syndicate to the police.

Goel said there might be black sheep in the force like in any other profession, but people should refrain from painting all cops with the same brush. Vouching for his integrity, the SSP said those who resorted to unethical practices and corruption should introspect and correct themselves for the sake of the next generation. He warned that he would put black sheep behind the bars. He said people should come forward to identify black sheep in the force without being afraid of the consequences.

“You should stand by truth without worrying for anything,” he said, while assuring the people that any cop registering a false case against them would be put behind the bars within a month. At the same time, he made it clear that “verifying the complaint first is their duty, as at times what one sees is not always the truth”.