A sub-inspector in Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj district has been suspended for demanding “potatoes” as a bribe. The unusual request came to light after an audio recording, in which the officer, Ram Kripal Singh, allegedly solicits a bribe to settle a case, went viral on social media.
According to the viral audio, Singh, posted at the Bhawalpur Chapunna Chowki under the Saurikh police station, asked a local farmer for 5 kg of “potatoes,” a term used as a code for bribe. The farmer, unable to meet the demand, offered 2 kg instead. Singh, however, insisted on his original demand, eventually settling for 3 kg of potatoes.
The audio recording led to a swift response from Kannauj Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Kumar Anand. Singh has been suspended immediately, and a departmental investigation has been initiated into the matter.
Kannauj Police confirmed the suspension in a statement on X, translating to: “In the above case, SI Ramkripal has been suspended with immediate effect on 07.08.2024 by Superintendent of Police, Kannauj after being found guilty prima facie. Departmental proceedings have been initiated.”
Kamlesh Kumar, Circle Officer, City, Kannauj, has been tasked with investigating the case further.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of corruption within law enforcement agencies, despite efforts to combat such practices. The use of unconventional terms like “potatoes” for bribes reflects the lengths to which some individuals go to conceal their illicit activities.
Sources By Agencies