In a major embarrassment for the Madhya Pradesh Police, 10 personnel — including a sub-divisional officer of police (SDOP) — have been suspended for allegedly looting Rs 1.45 crore of suspected hawala money that was being transported from the state’s Katni area to Jalna in Maharashtra news agency PTI reported. The suspended officers also allegedly assaulted the vehicle`s driver before fleeing with the cash, officers said on Friday.
The incident came to light after the driver and the businessman who had sent the money approached police authorities, prompting Inspector General (IG) of Police (Jabalpur Zone) Pramod Verma to order an inquiry into the matter.
Based on the preliminary report submitted by the IG, Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Kailash Makwana issued a suspension order against SDOP Pooja Pandey, who will now be attached to the police headquarters in Bhopal during the period of suspension, reported PTI.
Details of the incident
According to Seoni Superintendent of Police (SP) Sunil Kumar Mehta, the incident took place during a routine checking operation on Wednesday night, when police from Bandol Police Station — along with personnel from the SDOP`s office — intercepted a four-wheeler in the Siladehi forest area.
The vehicle was reportedly transporting a large sum of unaccounted cash.
However, instead of registering the seizure as per procedure, the police team allegedly assaulted the driver, chased him away, and attempted to usurp the cash, PTI reported. They also failed to report the incident to their seniors, violating established protocol.
The matter came to light when the businessman, claiming ownership of the money, reported the incident to Kotwali Police Station the next morning.
Following the complaint and mounting pressure, ten police personnel were suspended.
While initial reports suggest the amount involved was Rs 1.45 crore, there are claims suggesting the vehicle was carrying over Rs 2.96 crore in hawala funds.
The exact amount will be confirmed following the ongoing investigation, an official said.
The probe has been handed over to Jabalpur Additional Superintendent of Police Ayush Gupta, who reached Seoni on Thursday night. IG Pramod Verma has directed a detailed report within three days, SP Mehta added.
Apart from SDOP Pooja Pandey, the suspended police personnel include:
Sub-Inspector Arpit Bhairam (Bandol Station In-charge)
Head Constables Makhan and Ravindra Uike
Constables Jagdish Yadav, Yogendra Chaurasia, Ritesh (driver), Neeraj Rajput, Kedar, and Sadafal
IG Verma confirmed that a formal proposal for action against the SDOP was submitted to the police headquarters in Bhopal, following which her suspension was approved.
(With PTI inputs)