DIG orders FIR against SHO, SI over seizure lapses

Patna: Tirhut range DIG, Chandan Kumar Kushwaha, on Monday ordered registration of an FIR against two cops, including a SHO, over allegations of procedural lapses and appropriation of seized items during a raid that was carried out last month.During the raid, the police recovered stolen items, including utensils, a TV, and cartridges. However, the investigation revealed that the police allegedly seized a large amount of cash and precious metals, including Rs50 lakh in cash, 2 kg of gold, and 6 kg of silver, which were not recorded in the official documents, police said.The suspended cops were—Lalganj SHO Santosh Kumar and sub-inspector (SI) Sumanji Jha.According to the cops, acting on a tip-off on Dec 30, Lalganj police, led by SHO Santosh Kumar and SI Sumanji, raided the house of Rampreet Sahni in Bilanpur village. During the raid, three TVs, two live cartridges, one empty bullet shell, and some copper and other metal utensils were seized. The raiding team also seized some gold ornaments and cash from Sahni’s house, but it was not mentioned in the seizure list. The police team also did not do videography of the seizure.

Sahni’s wife was also arrested during the raid.Lalganj SDPO Gopal Mandal received information about the inappropriate seizure list. He further informed Vaishali SP Lalit Mohan Sharma about the incident.Sharma ordered an inquiry into the matter, and it was found to be true. He then recommended action against the cops to the Tirhut range DIG. The cops were suspended on Jan 4.Vaishali SP Sharma said, “The confidential inquiry revealed that despite the recovery, it was deliberately omitted from documents. The DIG termed it an incident that brings shame to the uniform.”SI Sumanji was in controversy before as well. In 2024, during his posting in Muzaffarpur, the vigilance bureau team caught him red-handed taking a bribe of Rs11,000. That case is still pending in the court.