Bareilly SP Removed and Transferred Following Fatal Shooting of HPCL Officials
In a significant administrative shake-up, Bareilly Superintendent of Police Brijesh Kumar Singh has been removed from his post and transferred to the logistics department in Lucknow. This action comes just two days after the brutal killing of two senior officials from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) inside the company's plant in Budaun.
Details of the Tragic Incident
HPCL manager Sudheer Gupta, aged 55, and deputy manager Harshit Mishra, aged 35, were shot dead by an armed assailant inside the facility earlier this week. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious questions about security protocols and police responsiveness.
The accused, identified as Ajay Singh, was an outsourced vendor who had recently been blacklisted by HPCL for unsatisfactory work performance. According to police reports, he had been threatening the officials prior to the fatal attack. He was apprehended by authorities shortly after the shooting occurred.
Police Negligence Allegations and Suspensions
In a heartbreaking revelation, Harshit Mishra's mother Rani Devi has accused local police of gross negligence. She claims her son had repeatedly warned authorities about threats to his life, including direct communications with the district magistrate, the SP, and the local MLA. "Despite multiple warnings, no protective action was taken," she stated emotionally.
The administrative response has been swift. Alongside SP Singh's transfer, three policemen have been suspended for alleged dereliction of duty:
- SHO Ajay Kumar
- Sub-inspector Dharmendra Kumar
- An unnamed constable
Dramatic Arrest and Weapon Recovery
The arrest operation took a dramatic turn on Friday morning when police took the accused to a forest area to recover the murder weapon. According to official statements, Ajay Singh pulled out a concealed country-made pistol from the bushes and fired at the police team. In retaliatory action, police shot him in both legs before transporting him to the district hospital for medical treatment.
Leadership Changes and Broader Transfers
SP Brijesh Kumar Singh, a 2013-batch promoted officer, has been replaced by 2018-batch IPS officer Ankita Sharma. This transfer is part of a larger reshuffle that includes seven IPS officers being moved by the state government to different positions and departments.
The incident highlights critical security concerns at industrial facilities and raises important questions about police preparedness and response mechanisms when citizens report credible threats to their safety.
