The Punjab and Haryana High Court has come down heavily on the Haryana Police for failing to act promptly in a case involving alleged corruption linked to avoiding Enforcement Directorate (ED) action. The court has ordered proceedings against 10 police officers, including three IPS officers, who kept a serious complaint pending for nearly eight months.
Justice Sumit Goyal, while issuing the order, remarked that such negligence undermines the judicial process. He stated that the judiciary cannot remain a silent spectator when law enforcement agencies fail in their basic duty of timely action.
Timeline of Negligence in Panchkula Police
According to the report presented in court, from October 23, 2024, to June 19, 2025, multiple transfers took place in Panchkula Police, but the complaint was left unattended.
- Sub Inspector Prakash Chand remained the investigating officer throughout.
- Inspector Kamaljit Singh held charge of the Economic Offences Wing until June 2, 2025, after which Inspector Hitendra Singh took over until June 19, 2025.
- At the supervisory level, ACP Manpreet Singh (2021-batch IPS officer) monitored the case until February 18, 2025, followed by ACP Vikram Nehra (HPS). During his training period, ACP Surendra Singh (HPS) was temporarily assigned.
- DCP Himadri Kaushik (2019-batch IPS officer) supervised till June 3, 2025, after which DCP Srishti Gupta (2021-batch IPS officer) assumed charge.
- At the Commissioner level, CP Shibas Kaviraj (IPS) and CP Rakesh Kumar Arya (2003-batch IPS officer) alternated responsibilities.
The court noted that the only officer excluded from liability was DCP Ms. Srishti Gupta, who took charge on June 4, 2025, and ensured the FIR was registered within 15 days.
Court Orders Separate Petition for Disciplinary Action
The High Court directed the registry to file a separate petition and place it before the Chief Justice to ensure appropriate action against the erring officers. The bench emphasized that such lapses cannot be tolerated in cases involving serious allegations of corruption and extortion.
Allegations of Extortion to Avoid ED Raids
The complaint, filed by Malkiyat Singh on October 23, 2024, alleged that after an ED raid in January 2024, Taranjit Singh, purportedly the PA of Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh, along with his associate Saravjit Singh, demanded Rs. 1 crore to stop ED action. The family allegedly paid Rs. 50 lakh in Ambala and another Rs. 50 lakh in Mohali. Later, the accused demanded an additional Rs. 8 crore and threatened the family with arrest and even death.
Despite the grave nature of the complaint, the Panchkula Police delayed registering the FIR until June 19, 2025. The FIR invoked charges of fraud and criminal breach of trust.
Court Rejects Anticipatory Bail
In response to anticipatory bail petitions filed by the accused, Justice Goyal’s bench observed that custodial interrogation was necessary to unearth the conspiracy. The court highlighted that anticipatory bail is granted only under exceptional circumstances, whereas the role of the accused in this case appears prima facie serious.
This ruling reinforces judicial accountability measures and emphasizes the need for police officers to act responsibly, especially in cases concerning economic offences and corruption.
