MP cops suspended for taking Rs 20 lakh in cash seizure case
BHOPAL: Four Madhya Pradesh police personnel have been suspended for allegedly accepting Rs 20 lakh as “hush money” from a Gujarat-based businessman after discovering Rs 1 crore in his car, police said on Sunday.
The incident took place on March 19 in the Ruthiyai outpost area under Dharnaavda police station in Guna district.
A Gujarat-registered SUV was stopped for checking, during which a search led to the recovery of Rs 1 crore in cash.
Instead of initiating legal proceedings, the policemen allegedly struck a deal with the businessman, releasing the vehicle after taking Rs 20 lakh and returning Rs 80 lakh without preparing any documentation or informing the Income Tax department.
Gwalior Zone Inspector General of Police Arvind Saxena said, "The incident was brought to my knowledge on Saturday. I immediately sent my deputy inspector general (DIG), and after the initial inquiry, four police personnel were suspended as they did not stick to the rules while dealing with the case."
IPS officer Ayush Jakhar from Shivpuri district has been tasked with conducting a detailed probe into the matter, he said.
The suspended personnel include Dharnaavda station house officer Prabhat Katare, Ruthiyai outpost in-charge assistant sub-inspector Sajid Hussain, head constable Devendra Singh Sikarwar and constable Sundar Raman.
"The personnel should have seized the cash after filming it and informed the I-T department, as the amount was higher than Rs 10 lakh. For cash under Rs 10 lakh, the police under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita are empowered to take action and detain the money carrier. The competent court decides the matter," he added.
The matter reportedly took a turn after a call from Gujarat, following which Rs 20 lakh was later returned to the businessman.
The incident came to light after details of the alleged transaction went viral on social media, prompting senior police officials in Madhya Pradesh to take cognisance.
The incident took place on March 19 in the Ruthiyai outpost area under Dharnaavda police station in Guna district.
A Gujarat-registered SUV was stopped for checking, during which a search led to the recovery of Rs 1 crore in cash.
Instead of initiating legal proceedings, the policemen allegedly struck a deal with the businessman, releasing the vehicle after taking Rs 20 lakh and returning Rs 80 lakh without preparing any documentation or informing the Income Tax department.
Gwalior Zone Inspector General of Police Arvind Saxena said, "The incident was brought to my knowledge on Saturday. I immediately sent my deputy inspector general (DIG), and after the initial inquiry, four police personnel were suspended as they did not stick to the rules while dealing with the case."
IPS officer Ayush Jakhar from Shivpuri district has been tasked with conducting a detailed probe into the matter, he said.
The suspended personnel include Dharnaavda station house officer Prabhat Katare, Ruthiyai outpost in-charge assistant sub-inspector Sajid Hussain, head constable Devendra Singh Sikarwar and constable Sundar Raman.
"The personnel should have seized the cash after filming it and informed the I-T department, as the amount was higher than Rs 10 lakh. For cash under Rs 10 lakh, the police under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita are empowered to take action and detain the money carrier. The competent court decides the matter," he added.
The matter reportedly took a turn after a call from Gujarat, following which Rs 20 lakh was later returned to the businessman.
The incident came to light after details of the alleged transaction went viral on social media, prompting senior police officials in Madhya Pradesh to take cognisance.
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