Madhya Pradesh High Court Slaps ₹5 Lakh Penalty on IPS Officer for Obstructing Investigation

Bhopal, April 17 (NationPress) In a significant judicial ruling, the Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has levied a fine of ₹5 lakh on senior IPS (Indian Police Service) officer Mayank Awasthi, who currently serves as the DIG (deputy inspector general) of Bhopal, for intentionally hindering an investigation and misleading the Trial Court by concealing essential records during a serious murder case probe when he held the position of Superintendent of Police (SP) in Datia.

The court mandated the initiation of a departmental inquiry against the IPS officer.

Awasthi has been ordered to pay the fine within a month, with the warning that non-compliance would result in recovery proceedings and the initiation of a contempt of court case.

The court criticized Awasthi for suppressing records, including call details and mobile location data, which were crucial to the investigation. This information was meant to be preserved as per a trial court directive issued on September 7, 2018, but was withheld despite Awasthi receiving it on September 17, 2018.

The High Court bench has also instructed the Director General of Police to carry out a departmental inquiry against Awasthi to investigate his intentions and possible misconduct.

The court noted that it is up to the Director General of Police to decide whether individuals like Awasthi should continue in the Police Department.

The current Superintendent of Police in Datia has been directed to provide all records concerning call details and mobile locations linked to the case within 10 days from April 16.

A charge sheet against Awasthi is also to be prepared, with the Director General of Police required to update the court on the status of the inquiry by May 20, 2025. The court remarked that Awasthi's actions imply a deliberate attempt to either protect the accused or shield the complainant, raising grave concerns over his conduct.

A comprehensive inquiry has been deemed essential to uncover the complete extent of his intentions.

This order relates to a murder case where the applicant Manvendra Singh faces trial on charges under Sections 147, 148, 149, 294, 307, 336, and 302 of the IPC for the murder of Kailash and the attempted murder of the complainant.

An application on August 13, 2018 alleged that the incident occurred on September 24, 2017, in Datia, although evidence indicated that the deceased and injured were in Amayan, Bhind, at the time. However, the Investigating officer suppressed material facts to suggest that the incident happened within the jurisdiction of Police Station Deepar, District Datia (MP), and requested that call details and mobile locations of specific numbers be preserved to demonstrate that the injured and witnesses were not present at the alleged incident site.

The Trial Court, via an order dated September 7, 2018, directed the preservation of call details and mobile location data for the mentioned mobile numbers and SIMs. Despite attempts to comply, the Cyber Cell later reported that the data could not be retrieved as it was over two years old. The case remains under ongoing scrutiny.