During the period when concerns about low conviction rates in criminal cases were prevalent nationwide, three members of the Chandigarh police force stood out for achieving an exceptional conviction rate of over 95% in cases they investigated from 2017 to 2022. Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASI) Mohinder Singh, Jetinder Singh, and Sukhwinder Singh were chosen among more than 1,100 candidates within the Chandigarh Police.
These commendable officers were stationed at the IT Park Police Station, where they handled a significant portion of cases over the past five years. Their convictions predominantly involved illicit drug-related offenses, gambling, rioting, and violations of government guidelines, including those related to Covid-19.
ASI Mohinder Singh, currently serving in the traffic police, shared, “I managed to secure convictions in 78 out of the 83 cases I investigated between 2017 and 2022. One notable case involved the arrest of a notorious female drug peddler near Mauli Jagran, resulting in a 15-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1.50 lakh. I submitted my bio-data to the police department upon senior orders, and just yesterday, I discovered that I secured the top position for the reward.” He initially joined the force as a constable in May 1988.
Reflecting on his journey, ASI Jetinder Singh, assigned to the Crime Branch, stated, “As law enforcement officers, it’s our responsibility to exhaust all efforts in convicting criminals, and these recognitions validate our efforts. I joined the Chandigarh Police in January 1991, worked across various police stations and investigation units, securing convictions in at least 78 cases under my investigation. I was stationed at the IT Park police station and Mauli Jagran police station, both sensitive areas, between 2017 and 2022.”
ASI Jetinder Singh’s investigative prowess notably led to the apprehension of three suspects involved in the theft of a heavy brass-made heritage cannon from the 82nd Battalion of Punjab Armed Police (PAP) in Sector 1.
In the same vein, ASI Sukhwinder Singh, awarded the third prize, secured convictions in 71 cases involving burglary, theft, and liquor smuggling. Similar to the other winners, ASI Sukhwinder Singh was stationed at the IT Park police station for more than two years within the last five. He emphasized, “Recognition programs like these will inspire others to work diligently and earnestly.”
The DGP Running Trophy for Best Investigation Officer, initiated by the Union Home Ministry to address the low conviction rate, accompanied by cash rewards of Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000, and Rs 10,000, was conferred upon these deserving officers by UT Administrator and Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit. Only police personnel above the rank of head constable (HC) are permitted to handle criminal cases.
