Probationary Punjab sub-inspector terminated from service for `criminal acts’

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 16

A probationary sub-inspector has been terminated from service on charges of `sexual misconduct’ and unauthorized absence from duty.

A police statement issued here stated that the Patiala IGP, Jatinder Singh Aulkah had taken serious note of the spate of `criminal acts and indiscipline’ shown by the sub-inspector Aditya Sharma and issued the termination orders.

Sharma has been at the centre of controversy, with two FIRs filed against him by a woman who he allegedly sexually assaulted and then married, apparently to escape disciplinary action. The police spokesman further alleged that the officer had also failed to complete `Basic Training’ at the Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur.

In his brief period of probation, Sharma had remained suspended for a total of 109 days, and was absent from duty for 65 days, alleged the spokesman.

The IGP, in his discharge orders, further said Sharma had even failed to respond to two earlier show-cause notices issued to him by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala. Giving details of the charges against Sharma, the spokesperson revealed that an FIR was first registered against the officer at PS Sadar, Hoshiarpur, in September 2019 on a complaint by a woman, who alleged that she was sexually assaulted and beaten by the said officer.

However, subsequently Sharma submitted an application to SSP Patiala stating that he had entered into a settlement with the woman complainant and had also solemnized marriage with her. But some months later the woman lodged yet another complaint of `cruelty and domestic violence’ against the officer.