By SHUBHAJIT Chakraborty

Punjab, Feb. 25 – To set an example of government fast initiative, Punjab government returned original property worth Rs. 4.5 crore to their owner. It was reported that the properties were stolen and later on recovered by Punjab police. Most of the people are disillusioned by the common practice to run from pillar to post for recovering their property after these are stored in malkhanas (store-houses of police stations).

Parkash Chand whose property was stolen 15 days ago, received Rs.40 lakh in case from state deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal late Wednesday in Patiala.

‘It is an old practice where stolen property, recovered by police, keeps rotting in malkhanas (store-houses of police stations) with owners moving from pillar to post, to get the physical possession of recovered property. Therefore, I had directed the police to get permission of the court for an immediate release of stolen property,’ said Badal.

Mr. Badal further said that government wanted to change the public perception about the process of Punjab police and to increase self believe. Every district would organize such operation, once every three months and to return back all the properties to their owner that were recovered in the last quarter.

The property returned comprised Rs.2.19 crore in cash, gold jewellery worth Rs.1.21 crore, 6 trucks including one loaded with rice worth Rs.31 lakh, 29 cars including luxury SUVs worth Rs.71 lakh and 59 motor cycles and two-wheelers worth Rs.19.25 lakh.

Besides, electronic gadgets including laptops, computers, LCD screens, cameras, mobile phones and air-conditioners worth Rs.9 lakh were also returned to their respective owners.