5 Indore cops enter businessman's home, disable CCTV, steal gold; suspended

Five police personnel, including a sub-inspector, have been suspended in Indore after a businessman accused them of forcibly entering his house, switching off CCTV cameras and taking valuables during a warrant-related operation, officials said.

The action was taken on the orders of senior officers, though authorities have so far cited only a departmental inquiry without confirming specific allegations.

According to Additional DCP Amrendra Singh, Sub-Inspector Sanjay Bishnoi and four others — Praveen Bhadoria, Dinesh Jat, Ravindra Kushwaha and a head constable — have been suspended. The move follows a complaint linked to the execution of a warrant and alleged misconduct during the operation.

The case centres on businessman Gaurav Jain, whose house was searched by police. Jain has alleged that officers entered the house like thieves, disabled CCTV cameras and opened locks using a master key.

He claimed the police entered without a warrant and caused damage to his personal property. Jain also alleged that gold and silver jewellery were taken during the operation.

According to him, the action was linked to a property dispute involving a retired ACP, and was carried out to exert pressure.

QUESTIONS OVER POLICE CONDUCT

The incident has triggered questions about police functioning, particularly regarding officers who remain posted at the same police station despite transfer orders.

Officials said this is not the first time personnel have failed to leave their posts even after being transferred, sometimes continuing for months or even securing re-posting at the same station.

In this case, Sub-Inspector Sanjay Bishnoi had reportedly been transferred to Tilak Nagar, while another officer was posted to Pardesipura. However, their formal departure from the station had not taken place.

Authorities have not officially confirmed whether the suspensions are directly linked to the transfer violations or the allegations made by the businessman, maintaining that a departmental probe is underway.

PROBE UNDERWAY

Police said senior officers, including ACP-level officials, visited the scene following the complaint. Additional DCP Amrendra Singh said the suspensions were ordered by DCP Kumar Prateek and that a detailed investigation is ongoing to establish the facts.

While officials have refrained from commenting on specific allegations, the simultaneous suspension of five personnel has raised serious concerns about internal accountability and conduct during police operations.

The case has drawn attention not only because of the allegations of illegal entry and misconduct, but also due to claims of influence by a retired police officer in a property dispute.

With the inquiry now underway, investigators are expected to examine CCTV evidence, the legality of the warrant execution, and the circumstances under which the police team entered the house.

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