Policemen complain of bribery at top cop’s office

Irrespective of reforms introduced to eradicate bribery, police officers in the city complain of ministerial staff asking for bribes to get their work done at the City Police Commissioner’s office. 

While the ministerial staff have been entrusted with the responsibility processing a variety of petitions from policemen from the rank of police constable to assistant commissioners, officials complain that it is a Herculean task to their work done by the staff. 

“Supplementary bills are supposed to be settled within 30 days but we have never receive them before 90 days,” said a sub-inspector on condition of anonymity. 

He added that the staff hardly get any of their work done without taking bribes. While officers at the ASP and assistant commissioners do not mind offering bribes to get their files processed quickly, lower level officials lament about the ministerial staff’s attitude towards them. “Higher officials should question such corrupt staff and make them accountable. Not doing so has encouraged such behaviour,” added the official.    

Speaking about this Police Commissioner AK Viswanathan said, “I have not received any such complaint about ministerial staff members’ behaviour with them. I should be made aware of such issues by officers to get it addressed. But I will check with officials concerned on this.”