A Ganesh festival celebration in Phagwara has led to allegations of bribery against a police ASI, with a local resident claiming that ₹10,000 was allegedly taken from him after police officials arrived at the spot to stop a DJ playing near a temple.
Rishi Verma, who raised the complaint, alleged that the police official initially demanded ₹20,000 when asked about stopping the DJ. He claimed that after repeated requests, ₹5,000 was allegedly paid in cash while another ₹5,000 was transferred through Google Pay.
Complaint alleges demand during Ganesh festival
According to Verma, a DJ had been installed near a temple as part of Ganesh festival celebrations. During the programme, an ASI allegedly reached the spot and directed them to switch off the DJ.
Verma claimed that when he asked why the music had to be stopped, the police official allegedly demanded money. He alleged that the amount was eventually reduced to ₹10,000, with ₹5,000 allegedly handed over in cash and ₹5,000 transferred digitally.
₹5,000 allegedly returned after complaint
The complainant also claimed that after he lodged a complaint regarding the alleged payment, ₹5,000 transferred through Google Pay was returned to him the following day from the same account.
Verma questioned the alleged demand for money during a religious celebration, saying that even playing devotional songs and bhajans had resulted in a demand for payment.
SP orders detailed inquiry
Speaking about the matter, Phagwara SP Major Singh said that a complaint had been received and had been marked to the DSP, Phagwara, for investigation.
The SP said a detailed inquiry had been ordered and that action would be taken against anyone found responsible after the investigation. He also stressed that the law is equal for everyone.
The allegations against the police personnel have not been independently established at this stage. The inquiry by the DSP is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged payments and whether any police official committed wrongdoing.
