CoP seeks independent probe

Chennai: Stung by allegations that police officers were allowing the running of illegal maava and gutka manufacturing units at Red Hills from 2011 to 2016 till income tax sleuths raided the premises, Chennai city police commissioner S. George has written to home secretary to initiate a probe by independent agency to know the possible extent of involvement of officers in the scam.

Mr George is of the opinion that such a probe would bring out the names of officers involved and also clear the names of officers who were not a part of the scam.

Sources said that income tax raid happened on July 7, this year and during the raids gutkha factories and godowns were unearthed at Red Hills. After the raids it was claimed that IT sleuths got a diary which contained details of mamools, up to Rs 20 lakh per month, given to certain police officers.

George in his letter reportedly said that nearly 30 officers, from inspector to commissioner, were in charge of Red Hills during the period. In the letter, it is learnt, he offers himself for being probed along with other officers who held charges at various levels during the period from 2011 to 2016.

Sources said there were six inspectors at Red Hills police station, three assistant commissioners, six deputy commissioners, five joint commissioners, six additional commissioners and four commissioners in the city, who served during the period.

Mr George suspects the possible involvement of at least two assistant commissioners and certain higher level officers in the scam.