Chandigarh, February 24 The Punjab government has issued a new reward policy to strengthen efforts against wanted criminals and gangsters, a day after the Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, approved it.
The policy empowers field officers and heads of police wings to grant monetary rewards to members of the public whose information leads to the arrest of wanted criminals.
Police personnel involved in exceptional operations will also be eligible for rewards.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said that Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) can grant rewards up to Rs 1 lakh, Commissioners of Police (CPs) and IGPs/DIGs up to Rs 1.5 lakh, and wing heads up to Rs 2 lakh. The DGP can approve rewards above Rs 2 lakh.
The policy covers absconders, proclaimed offenders, habitual offenders, and accused persons who are evading arrest.
The DGP said that the reward will be an ex-gratia payment and cannot be claimed as a matter of right.
The amount will be decided on a case-by-case basis depending on the severity of the offense, the risk involved, and the quality of the information.
He added that the identity of informers will be kept confidential, and a proper recommendation process has been put in place to ensure transparency.