Charges Filed Against Sushil Kumar in IGP Bribery Case

A 17-page chargesheet has been filed against Sushil Kumar, an exemptee assistant sub-inspector (EASI) with the Haryana Police, in connection with an alleged bribery and extortion case involving the late inspector general of police (IGP) Y Puran Kumar. The charges were presented to a local court on November 22, 2023, following an investigation triggered by a complaint from a liquor trader who accused Kumar of demanding money while misusing the name of IGP Puran Kumar.

According to findings reported by The Times of India, Kumar is alleged to have targeted individuals involved in disputes or those with pending complaints, demanding money in exchange for influencing police actions in their favor. The investigation has garnered substantial evidence, including digital trails such as mobile call records, WhatsApp logs, and transaction-linked data that are pivotal to the case.

The situation escalated after IGP Puran Kumar died by suicide on October 7, 2023, prompting deeper scrutiny into the allegations of caste-based discrimination he had faced from senior officers. Following this tragic event, law enforcement authorities intensified their investigation into Kumar’s activities.

Details of the Allegations

The chargesheet outlines a specific incident on July 9, 2023, when Sushil Kumar allegedly visited the office of a liquor contractor in Rohtak. Forensic analysis confirmed a pattern of regular communication between Kumar and the contractor, as well as with the contractor’s aide, Jai Bhagwan. The document referenced audio recordings wherein Bhagwan discussed commitments made with another individual, named Bansal, indicating a network of collusion.

The chargesheet states, “Sushil demanded money in lieu of providing security from other liquor contractors and gangsters.” This indicates a systematic approach to extortion, with Kumar leveraging his position to extract payments from vulnerable individuals.

In a significant development, voice samples of Sushil Kumar were collected on November 1 after his arrest on a production warrant. These samples were subsequently submitted to the forensic science laboratory in Madhuban, Karnal for analysis.

Investigative Actions Taken

During the investigation, police conducted raids at multiple locations associated with Sushil Kumar, leading to the seizure of various electronic devices, mobile phones, and relevant materials. An analysis of the recovered digital data has enabled investigators to construct a detailed timeline of the alleged extortion activities.

The chargesheet also highlights that Kumar had been staying at Rohtak’s circuit house under an alias, indicating further attempts to obscure his activities. Despite being assigned temporary duty with the late IGP in 2021, Kumar continued to work closely with him without formal orders, raising questions about the nature of his ongoing role.

The legal proceedings against Sushil Kumar mark a significant moment for the Haryana Police as they confront allegations of corruption within their ranks. The outcome of this case will likely have broader implications for police accountability and transparency in the region.