Seven Punjab police officers have faced suspension due to alleged negligence during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s January 2022 visit to the state. Superintendent of Police (SP) Gurbinder Singh, serving in Bathinda district, was initially suspended, followed by six more officers. The Director General of Police (DGP) submitted a detailed report leading to this action.
A committee led by retired Justice Indu Malhotra recommended these suspensions after thoroughly investigating an incident where protesters in Ferozepur blocked the Prime Minister’s convoy on a flyover, causing him to cancel his plans in Punjab.
The Supreme Court-appointed committee, formed on January 12, indicted multiple state officers for their shortcomings, emphasizing the need for impartial, judicially trained minds to investigate. The recent suspensions, including those of SP Gurbinder Singh, six Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank officers, Inspectors, Sub-Inspector, and Assistant Sub-Inspector, were ordered by the state’s Home Department on November 22.
Under Section 8 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970, all seven officers are named in a charge sheet for severe dereliction of duty and failure to uphold expected security standards during high-profile visits.
