Human trafficking: From Australia, Haryana home minister Anil Vij orders suspension of ASI

AMBALA: Haryana home minister Anil Vij, who is presently on a visit to Australia, ordered suspension of an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of Haryana police and departmental enquiry against two more cops in a case related to 'kabootarbaji' (human trafficking) on Monday, said Ambala range inspector general of police (IGP) Sibash Kabiraj.

Notably, IGP Sibash is heading the special investigation team (SIT) formed by Anil Vij, to investigate and dispose of the pending cases of human trafficking and fraud with people on the pretext of settling them abroad, from across the state.

IGP Sibash said that after review of a 'kabootarbaji' case file of Panipat district, it was found that several technical pieces of evidence were not collected besides the information about the source of money obtained with fraud and bank record of transaction. Investigation was not done in-depth from the accused and the case was not registered for 2 years and 8 months, said IGP Sibash.

He added that after the SIT was formed by the home minister, a decision was taken to review all the pending cases related to 'kabootarbaji' and immigration fraud, to dispose of them at pace.

The IGP said after the negligence was found in a case file, departmental enquiry was ordered against concerned police officers of Panipat district.

“After this Panipat case was brought to the knowledge of home minister Anil Vij, who is presently in Australia, the minister has ordered suspension of investigation officer (IO) ASI Sant Ram besides departmental enquiry against him. The minister has also ordered departmental enquiry against the then in-charge of CIA-III, Panipat, Anil Kumar Chillar and Ankit Kumar”, said IGP Sibash.

He added that action will be taken against the officers if any negligence is found on their part in the investigation of the cases related to kabootarbaji and immigration fraud.