7 Haryana cops accused of extorting businessmen

In a case of fence eating the crop, seven members of the Haryana police special task force, including its chief, allegedly extorted money from two businessman by threatening to implicate them in false cases following which they have been detained.

Seven personnel of the 15-member STF, including its chief Assistant Superintendent of Police Ashok Sheoran, were detained on Monday for questioning following "serious allegations" of their involvement in two criminal cases at Panipat, a senior police officer said.

No arrests have been made as the seven were being questioned following allegations levelled by two Panipat businessmen, Superintendent of Police, Panipat, Rajinder Singh said.

A case under section 395 of the Indian Penal Code (Dacoity) and Arms Act has been registered.

The share broker, Rajat Sharma, alleged that the STF men had demanded Rs 10 lakh after threatening to book him in some cases, the SP said adding that the deal was finalised at Rs 6 lakh, which was given to them. Jeweller B K Malhotra alleged that the team had demanded Rs 10 lakh, but he paid Rs 1 lakh to them.

"We saw the CCTV footage of the jewellery shop and our staff recognised that one of the men was an STF constable as he was earlier posted with Panipat STF," Singh said.

The STF, which was set up to investigate some important cases relating to notorious criminals, has been made "non-operational", Director General of Police R S Dalal told reporters in Chandigarh.

"We have taken serious note of this," Dalal said adding that Superintendent of Police Panipat Rajinder Singh has been asked to probe the matter and submit a report at the earliest.

The role of ASP Sheoran is not yet clear as the complainants alleged that he was not among those who had received the money as he used to remain seated in his vehicle outside the premises.

Sheoran, who was posted as ASP, Hissar was heading the STF in Hissar and Rohtak Ranges of Haryana Police.

A Haryana police spokesman said that strict action would be taken against the suspects if the allegations against them were found to be true.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Gopal Kanda told newsmen that a probe had been ordered into the allegations against the seven members of the STF.

"Their role will be clear after completion of the probe," he added.