Jalandhar Police Station Basti Bawa Khel SHO Jai Inder has reportedly been sent to the police lines, with Sub-Inspector Gurdeep Singh taking charge of the station. While the police have not officially confirmed the action so far, sources say the move comes amid growing concerns over gang activity in the area and alleged lapses in dealing with criminals.
Questions have also been raised over alleged links between drug smugglers and gangsters and the police functioning in the area. However, these allegations have not been officially established.
Jai Inder had earlier come under scrutiny in the case involving the murder of a young girl at Paras Estate, where questions were raised over the initial police response.
1. Girl murdered inside house, body found in bathroom
Around nine months ago, a young girl was allegedly murdered after being called to a house in Paras Estate by a friend. Her family had initially approached Police Station Basti Bawa Khel after she went missing.
According to the family and local residents, two police personnel were sent to the house, but the officers allegedly returned after checking the premises and said the girl was not there.
Later, when locals opened the gate and searched the house themselves, the girl's body was reportedly found in the bathroom.
The incident triggered public anger, with questions being raised over the police response. The family alleged that ASI Mangat Ram remained inside the house for around 20 minutes before coming out and claiming that he had searched the entire premises but could not find the girl.
Following the public backlash, the then Police Commissioner suspended ASI Mangat Ram and another policeman. The incident also led to demands for action against the station in-charge.
2. Gang clash and stone-pelting at Devi Talab Temple
The second major controversy concerns an incident at the historic Devi Talab Temple around 29 days ago.
During a thanksgiving visit by AAP Jalandhar constituency in-charge and Mayor Vineet Dhir, members allegedly associated with the Fateh gang from the Basti Bawa Khel area reportedly hurled bricks and stones at the temple premises. The Mayor was present at the time and narrowly escaped injury.
The incident reportedly followed a confrontation between members of the Fateh and Bhana gangs, which escalated into an argument and physical altercation.
Police Station Division No. 8 reportedly rounded up one person in connection with the stone-pelting. However, questions were raised over why members allegedly linked to the Fateh gang could not be arrested.
Sources claimed that whenever police teams went to conduct raids, the suspects allegedly received information about the police action beforehand and escaped.
Why the action against Jay Inder matters
The reported removal of Jai Inder comes at a time when gang activity and allegations of inadequate police action have become a growing concern in the Basti Bawa Khel area.
The two incidents have particularly put the spotlight on the effectiveness of policing, response mechanisms and intelligence gathering within the jurisdiction.
With Sub-Inspector Gurdeep Singh now reportedly taking charge, the immediate challenge for the police will be to restore public confidence and demonstrate effective action against gangs, drug networks and repeat offenders.