Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jan 31: Eight police personnel belonging to city crime branch (CCB) have been transferred for dereliction of duty and misconduct.

A video, purportedly of on-duty CCB police personnel sharing a table in a bar and restaurant with the accused in a betting case, and allegedly consuming liquor, had gone viral on social media.

Taking serious note of the incident, city commissioner of police N Shashi Kumar has taken strict action against the erring police personnel. On Saturday January 31, the commissioner ordered the transfer of three ASIs and five head constables, who were involved in the act, to different police stations.

Police commissioner N Shashi Kumar

In his statement the city police commissioner said, "It has come to my knowledge that eight policemen had food with the accused in a betting case and also allowed him to consume liquor. This is wrong. Hence the department has taken disciplinary action against the erring policemen."

"It is very disappointing to see such conduct by our staff, as it would jeopardize all our efforts to improve public perception and police image. It is on the grounds of sharing table with an accused of betting case, that too when on duty. It cannot be established whether the staff also consumed alcohol or not," he said.

"Some of the staff did not know complete details about him (the accused). Despite some explanation given by our officers and staff, this decision was taken as I found it is appropriate and proportionate. Not everyone can be equally held responsible for the lapse, though it is a grave lapse. Hence this is proportionate action," he said.

As per the order, three ASIs and five head constables have been transferred to Konaje, Bajpe, North, Kankanady town, Mangaluru South, Urwa and Barke police stations with immediate effect.