Police in Baramulla have rejected a review petition filed by a constable and upheld the punishment awarded in a case involving misconduct with members of the public, police said on Thursday.
The enquiry had earlier established that the official, Syed Sajad Ahmad, while posted at Police Post Babareshi, had repeatedly taken goods from local shopkeepers without making payment, despite warnings.
The conduct was found to be recurrent, deliberate, and unbecoming of a police official, undermining public trust, police said.
Accordingly, the punishment of ‘Forfeiture of one annual increment for three years’ was imposed earlier and has now been upheld in full after review. The review petition cited personal hardship and remorse; however, no new facts or procedural errors were found to justify interference with the original order.
Given the serious nature of misconduct and its impact on public confidence, the penalty has been deemed appropriate and proportionate.
Baramulla Police said that it maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards misuse of authority and misconduct affecting public trust.
“Strict disciplinary action will continue to be taken to ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability within the force. Baramulla Police remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct and safeguarding the trust reposed by the public,” a police statement said.
