The orders to reduce the rank of Inspector to Sub-Inspector and Sub-Inspector to ASI were issued by the UT Senior Superintendent of Police C.S.R. Reddy after the respective departmental inquiries.

According to police sources, four constables of the city police are likely to be dismissed in the near future for absenting themselves from duties for a long period.

A senior police official, when contacted, said they were acting strictly against the erring policemen to reinforce discipline amongst the police force. He added that six and 12 policemen were awarded major punishments in December 1998 and January this year respectively.

The order issued by Reddy says that the inspector who was in-charge of M.T section police lines, had reportedly written to the President of India while as per Punjab Police Rules, police officers are prohibited from approaching the officials of other department for their individual claims in the matter of punishment and appeals. "Moreover, his request for representation to President of India was specifically not permitted and was conveyed to him," it adds. "The rule further clarifies that if baseless and frivolous allegations are levelled against the seniors which cannot be substantiated, the subordinate applicant can be departmentally dealt with".

"He falsely and in a baseless manner levelled allegations against the senior officers including IGP that his transfer policy is wrong and did not take action against the then SP (Securities and Traffic) for certain lapses," the order further reads.

SP Baldev Singh was appointed the inquiry officer and it was found that the inspector's act is "tantamount to misconduct, indiscipline and infringement of rules".

In a separate case following the report of inquiry officer DSP S S Randhawa, SSP Reddy has ordered the reduction in rank of a Sub-Inspector to ASI. According to the orders issued a few weeks ago, while the SI was posted in VIP security lines, he reportedly visited the house of a Bapu Dham Colony couple. The SI was accused by the man of being found in a compromising position with his wife, which led to a scuffle, following which the woman doused herself with kerosene and set herself on fire. She died on the spot.

"Such conduct, which also means unauthorised absence from duty, gives a bad name to the police department," the SSP observed.