SSPs, CPs/IGP/DIG RANGES AND WING HEADS EMPOWERED TO SANCTION REWARDS RANGING FROM ₹1 LAKH TO ₹2 LAKHS, PUBLIC TO BE REWARDED FOR FACILITATING ARRESTS OF WANTED CRIMINALS, POs AND HABITUAL OFFENDERS
Face2News/Chandigarh
In a major push to ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make Punjab gangster-free state, Punjab Government on Tuesday notified the ‘Reward Policy of the State of Punjab for the Arrest of Wanted Criminals’ empowering field officers and Head of wings (SDGP/ADGP) to sanction rewards to members of the public whose information leads to arrests, as well as to police officers and officials who carry out exceptional operations.
The development came a day after the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved the Reward Policy of the State of Punjab for the arrest of wanted criminals to institutionalise a transparent and systematic mechanism for granting rewards, thereby motivating informers and recognising the efforts of law enforcement personnel in apprehending wanted criminals.
The DGP further clarified that the reward is an ex-gratia payment and cannot be claimed as a matter of right. The quantum of the reward will be decided on a case-to-case basis, taking into account the gravity of the offence, the level of risk taken by the informer, and the overall quality of the information provided, he said.
“Under this policy, SSPs will be authorised to grant rewards of up to Rs 1 lakh, CPs and IGPs/DIGs Ranges up to ₹1.5 lakh, Wing Heads up to ₹2 lakh, while the DGP Punjab can sanction rewards above ₹2 lakh,” said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here.
The policy aims to incentivise both public persons and police personnel for providing credible and actionable information that leads to the identification, location, and arrest of criminals evading the law. It covers a wide spectrum of "wanted criminals," including absconders, proclaimed offenders, habitual offenders, and accused persons deliberately evading arrest.
The DGP further clarified that the reward is an ex-gratia payment and cannot be claimed as a matter of right. The quantum of the reward will be decided on a case-to-case basis, taking into account the gravity of the offence, the level of risk taken by the informer, and the overall quality of the information provided, he said.
To ensure transparency and safety, the policy mandates a structured recommendation process and the immediate supervisory Gazetted Officer involved in the operation must submit a reasoned recommendation certifying the credibility of the information and the specific roles played by the individuals involved. “The identity of people providing information will be protected at all stages,” the DGP emphasised.