Jammu, April 4 Authorities on Friday relieved a special police officer (SPO) of his duties for alleged serious misconduct, specifically for aiding an accused in a bovine smuggling case in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
The senior superintendent of police (SSP) in Udhampur ordered the immediate removal of SPO Shabir Khan after an inquiry found him sharing sensitive information with an accused in a bovine smuggling case, they said.
According to officials, the inquiry revealed that the SPO was passing information through WhatsApp to help an accused evade checks at a police checkpoint related to cases registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act at the Udhampur Police Station.
The SPO's involvement was established through WhatsApp chats and witness statements, they said.
Officials termed the act a grave instance of indiscipline and misuse of official position, following which he was relieved of his duties with immediate effect.
The district police reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and said strict action will continue against any personnel found violating rules.
