More Indian policemen dismissed

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The government in India's Uttar Pradesh state has dismissed another 4,000 policemen over alleged "irregularities" in their recruitment process.

Earlier the government had sacked over 6,500 policemen. Officials say another 10,000 policemen are likely to face similar action.

Eighteen officials involved in the hiring process have been suspended.

All the policemen were recruited during the administration of Mulayam Singh Yadav, who lost power this year.

Over 120 police officials involved in recruitments will face departmental action, a senior official said.

'Nepotism'

The state's top civil servant JN Chamber said those involved in illegal recruitment would also face criminal charges for corruption and forging documents.

In all, 22,000 police constables were recruited during Mr Yadav's term. He was defeated in elections in May 2007.

The newly-elected chief minister, Ms Mayawati, set up an inquiry into alleged irregularities, nepotism and bribery in the selection process.

Officials say an investigation into the selection of an additional 12,000 policemen is likely to be completed by the end of this month. It is expected to have similar results.

The government says it will recruit new police officers within six months and the previous applicants will be allowed to appear in the new selection process.

Former chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has maintained that the recruitment process was fair.

A number of dismissed policemen have challenged the decision in the state high court.