Cops asked to take oath not to lie about leave

Patna: Police officials in Bihar’s Samastipur seem to have found a unique way to stop policemen from taking leave for Chatth Puja.

Sources said that cops seeking leave for the festival have been asked to sign a letter of oath stating that they will observe fast during the festival and if they lie, their children will face the consequences of nature.

The matter surfaced on Wednesday when images of a letter filled up by policemen were circulated on social media.

Bihar police association has reacted strongly and demanded immediate action against officials who passed the bizarre order. According to the association president, Mrityunjay Kumar Singh, the step would demoralise the police force in the state, “Asking policemen to sign a letter of an oath before proceeding on leave is like doubting their credibility. They work without any break and when few policemen approach their senior officers for leave they are humiliated like this. The move will demoralise the entire police force.”

The allegation was, however, denied by the district police headquarter after the letter went viral on social media. Speaking on the issue, Samastipur SP Vikas Burman said, “No orders have been passed by the district police headquarters to take the application along with such affidavit. It is not appropriate for anyone to seek or submit such kind of undertaking for leave. The police line sergeant has been asked to investigate the matter and submit a report at the earliest”.

Sources said around 85 policemen desiring to take leave for Chatth festival have submitted the oath letter, which states “curse may befall” on their family and kids if they told a lie. Reports suggest that the situation arised after the administration asked officials to deploy adequate police security on all the Ghats for peaceful Chatth festival.