Kohima, 27 September (MTNews): In less than two weeks after Nagaland DGP Rupin Sharma issued a stern warning, cautioning police officers involved in substance abuse that they may face termination from service if caught, he has taken action by suspending 43 police personnel under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. DGP Sharma made this announcement during a press conference held in Kohima on Wednesday, 27 September.
According to DGP Sharma, out of the 43 suspended personnel, 23 have received penalties under the NDPS Act. These penalties include: One case of compulsory retirement; Seven dismissals from service; Nine individuals facing a two-year increment stoppage with a cumulative effect and suspension period; Three personnel experiencing a one-year increment reduction with cumulative effect and suspension period; One individual receiving a rank downgrade with cumulative effect for three years; One-year increment reduction with cumulative effect and suspension period; One-year increment reduction without cumulative effect and suspension period, treated as not on duty.
Furthermore, he said that a departmental inquiry is pending for the remaining 20 suspended personnel.
In response to allegations circulating on social media regarding the quality of shoes provided to Nagaland Police personnel, Mr Sharma stated that they conducted a thorough investigation and found no grounds for complaint regarding the stock received thus far. However, he acknowledged that, at times, materials might remain undistributed for extended periods, causing the shoes to degrade to the point where they can be peeled apart even by hand.
Sharma further clarified that they cannot cast aspersions on any party and encouraged the personnel to approach the department directly rather than resorting to social media.