The Bhagwant Mann has dismissed Inspector Sunita Rani from service with immediate effect following her arrest in a bribery case, in an action announced amid the state government’s stated focus on tackling corruption.
Sunita Rani was serving as the Station House Officer (SHO) of Kot Ise Khan police station in Moga district when she was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on September 26.
Inspector Sunita Rani Dismissed From Service
The dismissal order was issued by Faridkot Range IGP Nilambari Jagadale. Reports said the order was passed under service rules that permit dismissal without a regular departmental inquiry in specified circumstances.
The action followed a report from the Moga Senior Superintendent of Police regarding the allegations and the conduct of the inspector.
Arrest in ₹50,000 Bribery Case
According to reports, Sunita Rani and Home Guard jawan Guravtar Singh were arrested by the Ferozepur Range Vigilance Bureau while allegedly accepting a ₹50,000 bribe on September 26.
The case was registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The allegations also included threatening a person with implication in a drug-related case and demanding money.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process.
Bhagwant Mann: Department Cites Conduct and Earlier Complaints
The dismissal order also referred to earlier oral complaints received against Rani concerning alleged demands for bribes and alleged misbehaviour with members of the public. According to the order, she had previously been reprimanded by a senior police officer over such complaints.
The order further referred to her interaction with the media after her arrest, which officials cited while assessing her conduct and its impact on discipline within the police force.
