Patna: Senior police leadership in Bihar has signalled a tougher crackdown on corruption within the force, with plans to go beyond suspensions and introduce demotions as a form of lasting punishment for errant officers.
According to directives issued by Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, district superintendents have been asked to identify station-level personnel involved in corrupt practices or arbitrary conduct and initiate strict action. The move follows a surge in complaints reaching senior officials through public grievance forums, including the DGP’s “Janata Darbar” and hearings at police headquarters.
Complainants have alleged misconduct by inspectors, sub-inspectors and other personnel, with accusations ranging from harassment to collusion with sand and liquor mafias in several districts. In response, district police chiefs have been instructed to closely monitor the behaviour of officers at police stations and expedite pending departmental inquiries.
A review at police headquarters found that while suspension is often used as an immediate response, many officers eventually return to service and receive full back pay and allowances for the suspension period. Officials believe this weakens deterrence and accountability.
The proposed use of demotions, by contrast, is seen as a more permanent penalty that could act as a stronger warning to others. Provisions for such action already exist within the police manual, alongside penalties such as adverse service record entries and dismissal under constitutional rules.
Former Bihar Police Association general secretary K.K. Jha noted that officers found guilty of serious misconduct could be reduced in rank—for instance, from inspector to sub-inspector—though not below the level at which they were originally recruited.
“Discipline and proper conduct are essential for the police force,” Kumar said, adding that consistent action would be taken on complaints at the station level and that violations would invite strict consequences.
