BHAGALPUR, BIHAR: In a major administrative shake-up aimed at improving law and order, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Bhagalpur, Pramod Kumar Yadav, has taken a stringent stance against widespread negligence within the district's police department. Adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward dereliction of duty, the SSP has initiated severe disciplinary measures against multiple station heads. This high-profile intervention has sent shockwaves through the local police echelons, signaling a robust message that inefficiency and laxity will no longer be tolerated under any circumstances.

Salaries Withheld for 19 Station House Officers (SHOs)

The primary disciplinary action includes a dramatic financial penalty targeting the leadership of 19 different police stations across the Bhagalpur district. Following a comprehensive performance and case-disposal review, the SSP ordered the immediate freezing of salaries for 19 Station House Officers (SHOs).

According to departmental sources, an internal audit revealed a staggering backlog of pending criminal investigations, unexecuted warrants, and a sluggish pace in compiling case diaries. Despite previous warnings to expedite pending cases and clear institutional backlogs, these 19 officers failed to show significant progress, prompting the SSP to implement this strict economic sanction. The police headquarters clarified that their salaries will remain withheld until noticeable progress is documented in their respective investigations.

Suspension of Jogasar SHO Over Negligence and Insubordination

Compounding the widespread financial penalties, the SSP took even harsher measures against the chief of the Jogasar police station. Following an official inquiry led by City SP Shailendra Singh, Jogasar SHO Mantu Kumar was placed under immediate suspension.

The investigation report highlighted several grave procedural errors, severe lapses in addressing public complaints, and a repeated failure to adhere to direct orders issued by senior administrative superiors. Public dissatisfaction regarding the handling of local grievances at the Jogasar station had been mounting, leading to the formal inquiry that ultimately confirmed the officer’s professional misconduct.

Administrative Mandate: A Clear Message on Accountability

This dual-pronged action—withholding the salaries of nearly a score of station chiefs alongside a high-profile suspension—serves as a stern ultimatum to the entire police force in Bihar. Senior officials have stated that maintaining public trust is paramount, and officers who treat their investigative responsibilities with apathy will face formal inquiries and permanent stains on their service records. The district administration has indicated that further evaluations will continue regularly to enforce discipline, eradicate laxity, and restore active, citizen-centric policing in Bhagalpur.