SI suspended for demanding bribe in dowry harassment case

Ranchi: A sub-inspector posted at Kadma police station in Jamshedpur has been suspended with immediate effect for allegedly demanding a bribe of ?1 lakh from a woman who had approached the station to file a dowry harassment complaint. The action was taken on the direction of SSP Piyush Pandey, based on an inquiry report submitted by City SP Kumar Shivashish.

The case came to light when the victim informed former BJP district spokesperson Ankit Anand that SI Sunil Kumar Das had demanded money on June 3 and 4 in exchange for registering an FIR. Following this, Anand accompanied the woman and her brother to meet the SSP on June 5 and also raised the issue on Twitter, tagging the Chief Minister, DGP, Kolhan DIG, and the State Police Complaint Authority.

City SP Shivashish initiated an investigation, during which the victim, her father, and brother gave statements at the SP office. Supporting evidence, including WhatsApp call logs and chat messages, were submitted. The FIR was later registered with assistance from senior police officials, as Kadma police station allegedly did not cooperate during the inquiry.

The inquiry confirmed the bribery allegation, leading to the suspension of SI Sunil Das. Reacting to the action, Ankit Anand said the suspension was not just a victory for the victim, but for public trust in the police department. He criticized the Kadma SHO for remaining silent despite being informed of the bribery attempt. Anand tweeted, “Justice delivered... Satyamev Jayate. Na khayenge, na khane denge,” reinforcing his stance on zero tolerance towards corruption.

The incident has become a significant example of accountability and transparency within the Jharkhand police