If IAS officers can go to jail, why not IPS officers? Babulal Marandi questions police accountability
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 13: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has questioned the accountability of senior police officials in corruption…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 13: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has questioned the accountability of senior police officials in corruption and organised crime cases, asking why IPS officers do not appear to face the same level of scrutiny and action as IAS officers.
In a post on social media platform X, Marandi said several IAS officers had faced action in corruption cases, with some even being jailed following investigations by agencies. He questioned why investigations into alleged corruption and illegal activities do not similarly reach senior police officials.
Marandi questions alleged disparity in action against IAS, IPS officers
Marandi said cases involving corruption and alleged misuse of public resources have resulted in action against senior administrative officials. However, he questioned whether senior police officers enjoy a “special protective shield” that keeps them beyond the reach of investigations.
He argued that the law should apply equally to officials irrespective of their cadre or position and called for the role of senior IPS officers to be examined wherever allegations arise.
Illegal coal, sand and mineral trade under scanner
Marandi also raised questions about the alleged illegal trade in coal, sand, stone and iron ore in Jharkhand.
He pointed out that allegations of large-scale illegal mining and trading have persisted in the state and questioned whether such activities could continue on a significant scale without the knowledge of the police.
He also referred to alleged illegal land transactions, extortion and organised crime, saying that questions have periodically been raised about the role of police officials in some such cases.
Marandi calls for probe into alleged police-criminal nexus
The Leader of the Opposition said allegations of a nexus between sections of the police and criminal groups should also be investigated.
He further referred to allegations involving a former DGP and claimed that accusations had linked the former police chief with international criminal gangs. Marandi questioned why such allegations had not resulted in action against senior police officials severe enough to lead to imprisonment.
These claims are allegations raised by Marandi and do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing by any individual officer.
‘Why different standards for IAS and IPS?’
Marandi said there should be no different standards of accountability for IAS and IPS officers.
“If action can be taken against IAS officers for alleged involvement in corruption, then the role of IPS officers should also be investigated,” he said, questioning whether senior police officials receive special protection because of their position or influence.
Calls for impartial investigation
Marandi urged authorities to examine allegations of corruption and organised crime without political considerations.
He said honest IAS and IPS officers should also reflect on the need for a system in which no official is shielded from investigation because of rank or influence.
Marandi questioned why IPS officers should allegedly enjoy greater immunity from punitive action than IAS officers and called for an impartial investigation into the role of senior police officials in cases involving corruption, illegal trade and organised crime.
