Shimla, Aug 11: In a bid to check corruption, police officials in Himachal Pradesh's Una have been barred from carrying more than Rs 200 on-duty. The order is aimed at curbing instances of corruption.

Una superintendent of police Diwakar Sharma said he was compelled to issue the order after several  graft cases involving police personnel were brought to light. Speaking to reporters, the SP said police officials in Una have been collecting bribe at checkposts from pilgrims entering from neighbouring villages.

Since Una is an entry point to Himachal from Punjab, a large number of pilgrims enroute to the holy shrines of Chintpurni, Jawalji and Kangra frequent the district.

Sharma claims that since January, when he began raiding several checkpoints, he found that corruption was rampant. On March 28, the SP said, he caught five officials red-handed taking bribes. The accused were suspended by him.

Several policemen were transferred from Marwari check-post by Sharma on the suspicion of taking bribe. He also disempowered the suspects from issuing further challans.

The steps, however, have failed to stop the menace, said the SP. In order to end the corrupt practice, he has issued the controversial order which bars the cops on-duty to carry over Rs 200 in cash.

"I have carried out several surprise raids as a commoner since my posting as SP in Una on January 4 and found that corruption is rampant at checkpoints,” Sharma said, adding that he is hopeful that his decision will finally act as a deterrent.

If a cop, however, has to carry more than Rs 200 in cash for genuine reasons, he would be allowed, Sharma said. But the police personnel will have to mention the exact amount in the daily diary of the concerned police station.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2018 08:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).