Cop suspended for allegedly demanding money from families of alleged stone-pelters

Kulgam: A policeman has been reportedly suspended for allegedly demanding bribe from the families of alleged stone-pelters here in Qazigund area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Official sources said the action was initiated after locals registered a complaint against the cop.
Police sources said that locals from Qazigund area raised the matter with People’s Democratic Party leader Sartaj Madni who accordingly asked police to look into the matter.
The locals in their complaint to Sartaj Mandni have alleged that Head Constable Muhammad Sadiq posted at Police Station Qazigund has been demanding money from them in lieu of the release of their wards arrested by police on charges of stone-pelting. The locals have alleged that the said cop visited their houses and demanded Rs 25,000 to 50,000 from them.
Sources said that taking immediate cognizance of the complaint, SSP Kulgam Harmeet Singh Mehta called the accused cop to police lines and ordered a thorough probe into the allegations.
A police official wishing anonymity said that the accused cop Muahammad Sadiq (5kgm) has been suspended. He said accused cop was doing all this in personal capacity to defame institution.
SSP Kulgam Harmeet Singh refused to comment on the issue. “Nothing has happened and I don’t know anything,” he said.
When contacted Sartaj Madni confirmed that the accused cop has been suspended. “After receiving complaint from people, I asked SSP Kulgam to look into the matter and accordingly he took action,” Madni said.