Inspector Sunita Rani, who gained notoriety for her nonchalant reaction to her arrest in a bribery case, has been dismissed from the Punjab Police with immediate effect. The order for dismissal was issued by Faridkot Range IGP Nilambari Jagadale under service rules that permit dismissal without a formal departmental inquiry.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Rani was posted as the Station House Officer (SHO) of Kot Ise Khan police station in Moga district. She was arrested on September 26, along with PHG Guravtar Singh, following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Vigilance Bureau, Ferozepur Range, under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The dismissal order cites Rani’s conduct when confronted by media personnel on September 27 after being produced in a Moga court. When questioned about allegations of accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000, she responded with a smile and uttered, “All is well, all is well, all is well.” She also made seemingly light-hearted remarks such as “Look, a new module of the jail has started,” and “It’s a part of life.” Adding to her flippant demeanour, she stated, “Absolutely, one should always remain bold.”
The order described her response as casual and flippant, noting that it occurred in the presence of Vigilance officials. This conduct, the order stated, undermined discipline within the force, tarnished the department’s public image, and had the potential to influence other police personnel. The directive for her dismissal is based on a report submitted by the Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) on October 1, which recommended immediate action.
The Moga SSP’s report referenced observations made by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Dharamkot, who had received verbal complaints from the public regarding Rani’s alleged practice of demanding and accepting bribes during her official duties. Prior to her arrest, she had reportedly been reprimanded and warned against any further complaints, with an advisory to maintain courteous behaviour towards the public.
Further details emerged indicating that after the bribery case was registered, the DSP discovered allegations that Rani had extorted money from individuals linked to narcotics dealings. The dismissal order specified that she allegedly summoned these individuals to the police station under the pretext of registering cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. She was accused of threatening them and demanding money, with the veiled threat of registering an FIR against those who refused to comply.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) noted that Rani’s actions constituted a violation of the Government Employees Conduct Rules, 1966, which mandate absolute integrity and devotion to duty. Characterising her as a “black sheep” of the department, the IGP emphasised the police’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
In a significant step, the IG invoked provisions to dispense with a formal inquiry, citing a reasonable apprehension that witnesses might face threats, coercion, or inducement. The order also highlighted concerns that Rani’s continued presence in the force could potentially compromise public safety and security.
Copies of the dismissal order have been circulated to the Director General of Police (DGP), the Special Director General of Police (Law and Order), the Inspector General of Police (Intelligence), and the Moga SSP. Arrangements are being made to serve the order directly to Inspector Sunita Rani without delay.
The Chenab Times News Desk