In Rajasthan, the Vigilance Branch of the Police Headquarters has taken strict action against officers involved in illegal sand mining and police collusion. Five Station House Officers (SHOs) have been immediately suspended, and six others transferred to Reserve Police following a decoy operation directed by Additional Director General of Police (Vigilance) S. Sengathir. The operation, conducted by 11 special teams, uncovered negligence and connivance in sand transportation at various police stations.
The decoy operation, carried out on December 18 and 19, involved police teams posing as ordinary citizens to evaluate the performance of police stations, checkpoints, and patrolling systems. Serious lapses were identified, leading to the suspension of SHOs in several districts and the transfer of others to Reserve Police. Departmental inquiries have been initiated against the officers involved to address the issue effectively.
The Rajasthan Police Headquarters emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards any involvement or negligence concerning illegal sand activities. District Superintendents of Police have been instructed to promptly take disciplinary actions against the responsible personnel. Moreover, Inspector Generals of Police in specific ranges have been directed to start disciplinary proceedings against 15 police personnel from 11 identified police stations, reinforcing the commitment to combat such misconduct.
