In a shocking incident of alleged misconduct, a cyber crime investigation team from Sirsa police in Haryana found itself under the scanner of the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The team, which had travelled to Udaipur to arrest an accused in a fraud case, was itself intercepted, leading to the recovery of a large sum of unexplained cash and subsequent suspensions.
The Interception and Cash Recovery
According to official sources, the Rajasthan ACB, acting on a specific tip-off, stopped the vehicle of the Sirsa police team near Kuchaman City in Ajmer district. The team was returning to Sirsa after its operation in Udaipur. During a search of their vehicle, the ACB officials made a startling discovery: Rs 6 lakh in cash was recovered.
When questioned about the source of this substantial amount of money, the policemen reportedly failed to provide a convincing or satisfactory explanation. Deeming the cash suspicious, the Rajasthan police authorities seized the money. They immediately informed their senior officials as well as the Haryana police leadership about the incident. Notably, the Rajasthan police did not arrest the Haryana policemen at the scene.
Background of the Fraud Case and Police Action
The chain of events began roughly a week before the interception. The Sirsa Cyber police station had registered a fraud case where approximately Rs 9.30 lakh was illegally transferred from the complainant's bank account to an individual based in Udaipur, Rajasthan. A three-member team was officially deputed to travel to Udaipur with the primary task of recovering the stolen amount and apprehending the accused.
Sources indicate that the team did manage to locate and apprehend the accused in Udaipur. However, a major procedural lapse followed. The team failed to make any official online entries or formal arrest records regarding the detention of the accused, which is a standard and mandatory protocol.
Fallout and Departmental Inquiry
The repercussions of the ACB's action were swift and severe from the Haryana police department. Taking serious note of the incident, Sirsa Superintendent of Police (SSP) Deepak Saharan suspended the three personnel involved with immediate effect.
The suspended officials are Police Sub-Inspector Surendra, Head Constable Virendra, and Constable Jagjit Singh. SSP Saharan also ordered a thorough departmental inquiry against them to investigate the entire episode, including the source of the recovered cash and the lapses in official procedure.
A police spokesperson confirmed the disciplinary action, underscoring the department's stance against any misconduct. The incident raises serious questions about the conduct of the investigating team and highlights the vigilance of cross-state anti-corruption agencies.
