ASI dismissed from service for opening fire at brother

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 12

Adopting a zero tolerance approach towards misuse of power and dereliction in duty, the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police have dismissed from service an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) for opening fire at his brother, another policeman, here, a fortnight ago.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Rakesh Agrawal issued an order to dismiss from service ASI Janak Raj, here, on Wednesday.

The CP said the matter was investigated and the ASI was found guilty of misconduct following which he was shunted out from service.

“Stringent action is another message to the entire force in uniform that no one is above the law and anybody found wanting will be taken to task,” the city police chief asserted.

However, the dismissed policeman was still absconding.

“Raids are being conducted and he will be arrested soon,” the CP added.

It was on April 28 that ASI Janak Raj, who was then posted at the Punjab Agricultural University police station, opened fire at his brother Vijay Kumar, who was also an ASI and deployed in the police force engaged by the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation in enforcement duties.

Vijay had suffered a bullet injury in his abdomen during the firing by his brother from the latter’s official weapon.

The incident took place when the police team, comprising ASI Vijay, along with the Municipal Corporation team, had gone to conduct a demolition drive at Gopal Nagar in Haibowal. No sooner had the enforcement team launched the demolition drive, ASI Janak Raj also reached the spot and entered into arguments with his brother over some petty issue.

As the heated exchange between the siblings turned ugly, Janak Raj pulled out his official weapon and fired at his brother from a close range, besides firing a shot in the air.

The police had registered a case against ASI Janak Raj under relevant provisions of the law.