UP Police Officers Suspended After Video Reveals Collusion With Illegal Liquor Smugglers

Additional SP (South), Kripa Shankar, has been assigned to investigate the Station House Officer's involvement in the case.

Ballia:

Four police personnel, including an outpost in-charge, were suspended on Wednesday following the viral circulation of screenshots and videos on social media that allegedly showed their involvement with liquor smugglers in the Revati area, according to officials.

The incriminating screenshots and videos emerged Tuesday night, revealing that the Gopal Nagar outpost In-charge was soliciting money from liquor smugglers and facilitating illegal activities, as stated by Superintendent of Police Omvir Singh during a press briefing.

Singh explained that Deputy Superintendent of Police (Bairia) Mohammad Faheem Qureshi was tasked with conducting a preliminary investigation into the matter, with his findings submitted on Wednesday.

The investigation uncovered prima facie evidence substantiating the allegations, resulting in the immediate suspension of outpost in-charge Shubhendra Singh and constables Afzar Ali, Vikas Kannaujia, and Pawan Verma.

The Superintendent added that Additional SP (South), Kripa Shankar, would examine the Station House Officer's potential involvement in the case.

This incident occurs amid recurring cases of liquor smuggling via the Saryu river in the border regions of Bairia, Revati, and Dokati, which has intensified following Bihar's implementation of liquor prohibition laws.

A recent media sting operation exposed this illegal trade, after which the implicated liquor smugglers attacked journalist Shubham Srivastava who was involved in the investigation.