Chennai: Chennai city commissioner of police A Amalraj has declared a war against bribery in the police department by issuing an open warning that police personnel found demanding or accepting bribes for doing their job will face criminal prosecution.Those found guilty of demanding or accepting illegal gratification would be arrested under relevant anti-corruption laws and subjected to departmental and criminal proceedings, he said.The warning was issued during a confidential meeting with police officers of the rank of assistant commissioner and above at the commissioner’s office on Monday. Amalraj directed the officers to communicate the instructions to every police station and ensure strict compliance across the city.Rejecting feeble justifications for accepting bribes to meet ‘station expenses’, Amalraj said govt already provided funds to meet the day-to-day operational requirements of each station. He also sought suggestions from senior officers on eliminating bribery at the police station level. While some officers recommended issuing stronger warnings, Amalraj said sufficient warnings had already been given and that legal action would now follow any proven violation.A dedicated anti-corruption unit has been set up to receive and investigate complaints. Members of the public can report demands for bribes by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to 78717 23000. Complainants’ identities would be kept confidential and every complaint would be thoroughly investigated, officers said.Additional deputy commissioner Kumara Gurubaran, attached to the modern control room, has been entrusted with monitoring the complaints, conducting preliminary inquiries and submitting reports directly to commissioner.The commissioner also appealed to the public not to offer bribes under any circumstances and instead report such demands to the helpline.
