Shivangi Prakash-
Published on: August 12, 2021, at 13:27 IST
Former State DGP Sumedh Singh Saini was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on Wednesday night as he attempted to join an inquiry into a disproportionate assets complaint filed against him on August 2.
According to unconfirmed reports, Saini was detained by the VB in connection with a “new FIR” involving alleged anomalies in the employment of constables in the Punjab Police.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court had previously granted Saini interim anticipatory bail in the corruption case, stating that he was a Z-plus category protectee – “meaning there is no chance of him absconding.”
Saini was also ordered by the Court to forfeit his passport and join the investigation within a week.
According to Saini’s lawyer, A P S Deol, the former DGP went to join the investigation in that matter as per Court orders when he was arrested.
Deol said the arrest was illegal and that, according to a High Court judgement issued last year, Saini had to be given a seven-day notice before being arrested in any case involving any incident over his entire service tenure.
Saini is also facing two murder charges after being accused of human rights violations during the terrorism in Punjab.
Despite widespread public and political pressure on Capt Amarinder Singh’s Government to prosecute Saini, he was never arrested.
According to a Vigilance official, Saini arrived at the VB office about 8 p.m. to participate in the corruption probe. He had not told anyone that he was going to the Vigilance office.
Officials ordered his detention after interrogation. Saini was reportedly taken to the office by his lawyers. They were then instructed to wait outside while Saini was taken into custody.
“We have arrested Saini. He has a corruption case against him besides another one,” a senior official confirmed, refusing to disclose details of the other case against him. “These will be known in due time,” official said.