A day after the US Department of Justice named a Punjab Police officer in its charge sheet against the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, the Punjab Police on Wednesday shifted Hoshiarpur's Tanda SHO, Inspector Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, to the police lines and ordered a departmental inquiry against him.
The move came after the US Attorney General, during a press conference on Tuesday, referred to Nagra while announcing charges against jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and several others as part of Operation Hard Ball, an international operation targeting organised crime networks.
Following the controversy, the Jalandhar Range DIG issued an order removing Nagra from his post as SHO of Tanda police station. He has now been attached to the Hoshiarpur Police Lines until the inquiry is completed.
What are the allegations?
According to the US federal charge sheet, investigators have alleged that members of the criminal network used the help of certain corrupt police officials in India to carry out extortion.
The indictment specifically mentions Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, claiming he was allegedly involved in threatening a California-based businessman for an extortion demand of $400,000. The victim was allegedly warned that if the money was not paid, his family members living in Punjab would be harmed.
The allegation forms part of the FBI's wider investigation into international gangs accused of murder, extortion, drug trafficking, weapons smuggling and other organised crimes
SHO rejects allegations
Speaking after his name surfaced in the case, Gurinderjit Singh Nagra denied all allegations against him.
He said he had only come across videos circulating on social media mentioning his name and had not received any official communication from US authorities or any investigating agency.
"I have no information about the matter as of now. I can comment only after speaking to the concerned agency. No money has ever been deposited into any of my bank accounts. The allegations are completely baseless," he said.
Punjab Police orders inquiry
In the official order, Punjab Police said it had taken serious note of media reports and social media posts regarding the FBI investigation.
To ensure a fair probe, Nagra has been removed from his post with immediate effect. The inquiry has been assigned to the SP (Investigation), Jalandhar Rural, who has been directed to examine all allegations and submit a detailed report as soon as possible.
Political row erupts
The issue has also triggered a political war of words in Punjab.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia said that after Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a Punjab Police officer has now come under the FBI's scanner. He alleged that the development has tarnished the image of Punjab Police internationally and demanded accountability from the state government.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also criticised the AAP government, saying the FBI charge sheet has raised serious questions over the alleged involvement of a Punjab Police officer in an international extortion racket. He accused the Bhagwant Mann-led government of protecting tainted officials and demanded an explanation from both the Chief Minister and Punjab Police.
The departmental inquiry is currently underway, and Punjab Police has not made any further statement on the allegations beyond confirming the investigation.
