SHO among four MP cops suspended for keeping hawala money as bribe

Four Madhya Pradesh Police personnel, including a station house officer (SHO), have been suspended after a preliminary departmental inquiry found their role in the seizure of a reported Rs one crore hawala money, of which Rs 20 lakh was allegedly kept by the cops as bribe to release the remaining amount and allowing the person carrying the money to go to Gujarat.

The incident occurred in the Guna district of MP two days ago. After it was reported, the Guna DIG conducted an investigation and took action against the cops on Sunday.

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According to sources, the money was being taken by a businessman of Gujarat in a scorpio jeep (GJ 05 RK 9351) to Gujarat. The vehicle was stopped for checking on the National Highway-46 under the Ruthiyai police outpost of the Dharnavada police station in the Guna district.

It is alleged that the police found Rs one crore cash in the car. However, without informing seniors, the police personnel allegedly struck a deal with the person and kept Rs 20 lakh as bribe, and let the person go ahead with the remaining cash.

Nonetheless, sources claimed that some IPS officers from Gujarat called up the cops in MP after the incident. Following that, the Rs 20 lakh was also returned.

On getting information about the incident, Guna DIG Amit Sanghi, along with Guna SP Ankit Soni, visited the police outpost and police station on Saturday evening, and again on Sunday morning.

In his investigation, the DIG found the role of four police personnel suspicious in the matter. Following that he ordered the suspension of the four cops.

The suspended cops include Dharnavada police station SHO Sub-Inspector Prabhat Katare, Ruthiyai outpost in-charge Assistant Sub-Inspector Sajid Hussain, Head Constable Devendra Sikarwar, and Hussain’s driver Constable Sundar Raman.

According to DIG Amit Sanghi, attempts were being made to contact the businessman and all relevant call records (CDRs) were being collected. He said four police officials were suspended after preliminary investigation found their roles suspicious.

“We are conducting a thorough investigation. If evidence confirms misconduct, strictest action will be taken against those responsible,” the DIG stated.