Jaipur: Rajasthan Police have launched a search for inspector Pawan Singh, who has allegedly been absent from duty and has not appeared before the investigating officer for the past six months in a probe into alleged extortion from solar companies and khejri traders in Bikaner, officials said.Singh was asked to appear and explain his position on three points but did not turn up. The investigating officer later sent a report on his absence to police headquarters (PHQ).“The case relates to allegations that an entrenched nexus, allegedly involving police and other officials, extorted several crores of rupees from solar companies and those involved in the illegal khejri wood trade in Bikaner region,” an official said. The preliminary probe also found transactions involving a company linked to Singh, the official added.A confidential complaint prompted the inquiry, after which Bikaner Police shared their findings with PHQ, officials said.Investigators sought an explanation from Singh on three issues, including the registration of a company in his brother’s name that had an annual turnover running into crores. “He neither turned up nor explained the allegations levelled against him,” an official said, adding that the findings also pointed to the alleged role of some senior officials, including those from the IPS cadre.Officials said the findings on Singh’s conduct and alleged role have been shared with PHQ. They added that Singh “effectively went into hiding” after learning that action was being initiated against him.PHQ officials said action would be taken against Singh once all reports related to the inquiry are completed.
