Muzaffarpur, Nov. 10: Sitting idle and cooling heels in police stations can call for suspension.

Tirhut deputy inspector-general (DIG) of police Bacchu Singh Meena has issued a standing order to officers right from the rank of senior superintendent, superintendent, deputy superintendent to station house officers (SHOs) to move around in their areas of jurisdiction frequently.

In a hard-hitting letter sent to senior police officers, the DIG mentioned slackness in policing even during daytime. Sources said the officers manning the police stations hardly venture out and patrolling in vehicles has become a practice. Thefts in business establishments and loots at night have baffled the DIG.

North Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI) expressed concern over the abrupt rise in thefts in shops and business establishments in the commercial hub of the city.

NBCCI president Motilal Chaparia met the DIG and sought his intervention to check the increasing crime rate. The DIG also criticised the “munshis” (literate cops manning the police stations) calling the shots and asked senior officers to clip their wings.

The DIG admitted that the “munshis” are powerful officers of a police station, as they enjoyed an understanding with the station house officers. Talking to The Telegraph, the DIG said he has inspected the police stations both during the day and at night and stressed the need for police officers making surprise visits to the police stations.

A cop, if found in plain clothes in police stations would be suspended, the DIG said.