Why Was Madhya Pradesh SDPO Pooja Pandey Suspended?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- SDPO Pooja Pandey was suspended for alleged embezzlement of hawala money.
- Nine other police officers were suspended prior to her.
- The incident involves serious accusations of police misconduct.
- Investigation ordered by Inspector General Pramod Verma.
- Public trust in law enforcement is essential.
Bhopal/Seoni, Oct 10 (NationPress) The Director General of Police in Madhya Pradesh, Kailash Makwana, took significant action on Friday by suspending Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Pooja Pandey over allegations linked to the embezzlement of hawala money intended for Maharashtra, as confirmed by officials.
The suspension of SDPO Pooja Pandey was enacted a day after nine police officers were already suspended by Seoni Superintendent of Police (SP) Sunil Kumar Mehta on Thursday for their involvement in the case.
According to police reports, during a routine operation on Wednesday night, the officer in charge at Bandol police station and personnel from SDPO Pooja Pandey's office intercepted a vehicle in the Siladehi forest.
Rather than confiscating the cash, they allegedly assaulted the driver, drove him away, and attempted to steal the money.
The criminal activities came to light when the driver, along with a businessman who had sent the funds, reported the incident to authorities.
As serious allegations against the police personnel surfaced, Jabalpur Inspector General of Police Pramod Verma ordered an investigation on Thursday.
The inquiry was assigned to Jabalpur Additional Superintendent of Police Ayush Gupta, who promptly began his investigation and submitted his findings to Inspector General Verma and DGP Makwana.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the police team failed to inform their superiors regarding the hawala money.
Their involvement was exposed after the businessman, who lost the money, approached the Kotwali police station on Thursday morning.
Based on Ayush Gupta's findings, Seoni SP issued suspension orders for several police personnel, including Sub-Inspector Arpit Bhairam, the officer in charge of Bandol station, along with Head Constables Makhan and Ravindra Uike, as well as several constables.
This action led to scrutiny over why SDPO Pooja Pandey, allegedly involved in the embezzlement, was not suspended earlier.
In response to these concerns, DGP Makwana ordered her suspension by Friday evening.