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It was alleged that a police team seized approximately Rs 2.9 crore ‘hawala money’ from a Nagpur-based businessman last month, after which they declared only half of it in their official report (File Photo)
Days after they were suspended, an FIR was registered on Tuesday against 11 Madhya Pradesh Police personnel, including a sub-divisional officer of police (SDOP), under dacoity, abduction, and criminal conspiracy charges in connection with the alleged theft of Rs 1.45 crore in hawala money.
Of the 11, five personnel have been arrested so far, including Seoni SDOP Pooja Pandey, sub-inspector Arpit Bhairam, and constables Yogendra, Neeraj, and Jagdish. The six others are absconding, police said.
It was alleged that a police team seized approximately Rs 2.9 crore “hawala money” from Nagpur-based businessman Sohan Parmar in the first week of October. However, they allegedly declared only Rs 1.45 crore in their official report and released the accused without taking action.
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Following the incident, police arrested Parmar and his two employees, Sheikh Mukhtar and Imran Pathan, on Friday.
VIDEO | Madhya Pradesh: 11 cops suspended for ‘looting’ Rs 1.45 crore hawala money being sent from MP to Maharashtra. Pramod Verma, IG Jabalpur, says, “Criminal case has been registered against 11 police officials and six of them have been arrested so far. SDPO Puja Pandey and… pic.twitter.com/AqhCGl35ot
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 14, 2025
Jabalpur range Inspector General Pramod Verma said, “A criminal case has been registered against 11 police officials, and six of them have been arrested so far — SDOP Puja Pandey, Sub-Inspector Arpit Bhairam and four others. They are being questioned… A special SIT team has been formed for probing the case.”
On Saturday, IG Verma had suspended nine police officers, including station in-charge Arpit Bhairam. Separately, Director General of Police Kailash Makwana suspended SDOP Pooja Pandey in connection with the alleged misconduct.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said, “Maintaining law and order in the state, creating a crime-free environment, and protecting citizens are the primary responsibilities of police officers and employees. The state government will not tolerate police officers who act beyond their duties. Those found guilty in the Seoni incident will face strict disciplinary and legal action.”
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