IPS officer who fought corruption, rattled cops involved in bribery, faces untimely transfer

Hameed Ashraf | NT

Bengaluru: “Honest police officers are demotivated by frequent transfers,” Inspector General of Police, Roopa D Moudgil once said. However, the tough cop herself has faced several transfers for blowing the whistle on corruption within the state.

It is unfortunate that since time immemorial, honest officers have faced so many challenges once they raise their voices against corruption. On Wednesday evening, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration, Nisha James IPS (in pic) was transferred to Superintendent of Police, Internal Security Division.

The transfer of the officer, who is said to have been fighting corruption, has raised many eyebrows, even outside the police department. Serving the force for around 9 years and in the administration for the last two years, Nisha James, a 2013-batch IPS officer, was in the news for bringing many reforms in the administrative department including ensuring transparency in the process related to transfers and promotions in the police department.

She had also In June this year, James had initiated the transfer of police personnel who were working in the same police station for more than five years and also issued an instruction to reduce the minimum service period of the police constables (from 6 years to 5 years). In 2021, two constables who were reluctant to let go of their work at the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) despite their deputation period having ended, were issued a warning by the then DCP Administration, Nisha James to comply with the rules.

However, when they further objected, she suspended them, much to their chagrin. “Your deputation to the BDA was cancelled and higher authorities asked you to report to the Home Department, but you failed to follow their directions,” the order from the tough cop read. The letter also warned the policemen that if they were found doing any other job or business, they would lose the wages paid during the suspension period and would be liable for disciplinary action.

Forced cops to work for long hours: Letter alleges Several police personnel, including First Division Assistants (FDA) and Second Division Assistants (SDA) had reportedly written a 13-page letter to the top cops of the police department alleging pressure and harassment from Nisha James.

The letter alleged that James worked late at night and in turn forced the FDA, SDA and other officers to work long hours. It also alleged that she was cutting their staff increments for no valid reason and would suspend them over petty issues. The officers had also alleged that Nisha James would force them to talk in English.

Cops are ‘afraid’ to come out in support of her “There are many officers in the police department who respect and appreciate Nisha James,” a police officer said on the condition of anonymity. “But officers are afraid to come out in support. We believe that the recent transfer of Nisha James is a conspiracy and this is not the first time that an honest cop has been shunted out,” he said.

“Nisha James was a hard-working officer and was strict with those who had joined the police department based on political influences,” added another officer. Apart from this, an audio clip has also been made viral which stated that Nisha James had rattled the cages of several officers involved in corruption and bribery