Ara: Bhojpur SP Awadhesh Kumar Dixit on Sunday suspended an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) and a police chowkidar, both posted under Charpokhari police station, for alleged laxity and negligence in connection with the murder of social activist Md Jafi.Jafi, 48, was shot by armed miscreants at his home in Garhani village under Charpokhari police station area on Sept 11 night. According to police, Jafi had been campaigning against alleged illicit drug peddling in his village. His family and villagers had alleged that some police personnel failed to act promptly despite being informed about the incident.The suspended ASI, Rajveer Kumar, was posted at Garhani picket, while chowkidar Birbal Singh was deployed at Charpokhari police station. Both were found negligent in performing their duties in connection with the case, police said.In a statement issued on Sunday, the SP’s office said the action was taken in view of the seriousness of the matter. After the incident, villagers blocked Ara-Piro road at Garhani Chowk on Saturday alleging police negligence.The SP office’s statement said, “Keeping in view the seriousness of the matter, ASI Rajveer Kumar posted at Garhani picket and a chowkidar, Birbal Singh, deployed under Charpokhari police station have been suspended with immediate effect. Bhojpur police categorically states that no negligence or dereliction of duty will be tolerated as public security and maintaining law and order are the prime priorities of the police.”Jagdishpur SDPO Rahul Kumar said police would not allow criminals to intimidate people campaigning against illicit drug peddling.“Rather, the campaign against illicit drugs will be further intensified. If criminals think that they can intimidate people by shooting at or killing someone, they are mistaken. Police will firmly deal with the miscreants as per the law and the accused will be arrested soon,” he said.According to Bhojpur police, an FIR has been registered against seven named accused at Charpokhari police station in connection with Jafi’s murder.“Raids are going on to nab the accused,” the SDPO said.
