A corruption incident captured on camera at an interstate border post in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district has triggered stern administrative retribution. A Special Police Officer stationed at the Lakhanpur check point was filmed demanding unlawful cash from a commercial goods carrier. Taking swift notice after the footage circulated across internet platforms, Kathua SSP Mohita Sharma issued an order immediately terminating the accused personnel from duty. The episode has cast a spotlight on checking protocols along busy transit corridors.
The Bargaining Episode at Lakhanpur Barrier
The confrontation unraveled on Monday when a transport operator covertly recorded his exchange with uniformed personnel at the barrier. After halting the freight vehicle, the duty officer pressed for payment by citing the lack of a lorry receipt or bilti. In contrast, the motorist maintained that his particular cargo did not legally necessitate any such document, but the checkpoint personnel remained adamant about collecting an entry fee.
The recorded footage showed the personnel insisting on a payment of 100 rupees, while the driver resisted and repeatedly attempted to settle by offering 30 rupees instead. Following this prolonged haggling, the driver eventually surrendered the full demanded sum before receiving clearance to proceed. While the geographical area falls within the operational perimeter of the State Taxes Enforcement wing, Deputy Commissioner Joginder Singh from State Taxes Enforcement clarified that his office had no connection with the incident, stating that tax enforcement squads limit their role to random verification of e-way bills.
Administrative Retribution and Formal Departmental Probes
Once the clip drew widespread public outrage, local police leadership initiated rapid disciplinary procedures. SPO Aamir-ul-Deen (bearing number 582/SPO) was summarily dismissed from the force for soliciting bribes while deployed on naaka duty at Lakhanpur. The ramifications quickly extended to other police personnel stationed at the post during that operational shift.
Departmental inquiries have been formally launched against Head Constable Dhruv Singh, ASI Gyan Chand, and Constable Shamsher Singh from 19 J&KAP IR. Commenting on the disciplinary measures, Additional SP Kathua Sunil Kesar stated that rigorous verification of the entire matter was set in motion as soon as the development was brought to official notice.
