Bhopal/Seoni, October 14 (Daily Kiran): In a major crackdown that has sent shockwaves through the Madhya Pradesh Police Department, an FIR has been registered against 11 police personnel — including SDOP (DSP) Pooja Pandey — in connection with the sensational Seoni hawala loot case. Eight of the accused have been arrested, while three are still absconding.
The case dates back to the night of October 8, when a group posing as police officers looted a large sum of money from alleged hawala traders near the Siladehi bypass on NH-44 in Seoni district. Investigations later revealed that the robbery was orchestrated by serving police officials themselves, prompting swift action from senior authorities.
DIG Rakesh Singh Briefs Media; SIT Formed
Addressing the media at the Seoni Police Control Room on Tuesday evening, Chhindwara Range DIG Rakesh Singh announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case in depth. The SIT includes Lakhnapur Police Station in-charge Chandkishore Sirsam, Jabalpur Crime Branch officer Jitendra Singh, and two senior officers.
The FIR has been registered under Sections 310(2) (dacoity), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 140(3) (abduction), and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Arrested Officers and Absconding Accused
Those arrested include:
Pooja Pandey (DSP, SDOP Seoni), Arpit Bhairam (Station In-Charge, Bandol), Makhan Inwati, Jagdish Yadav, Yogendra Chaurasia, Kedar Baghel, Subhash Sadafal, and Neeraj Rajput.
The absconding accused have been identified as Rajesh Janghela, Head Constable Ravindra Uike, and Constable Ritesh Verma. Police teams have launched a search operation in Seoni and nearby districts to trace them.
CM Mohan Yadav’s Stern Stand: “No Leniency for Those Who Betray Duty”
Reacting strongly to the incident, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav reaffirmed the state government’s zero-tolerance policy toward crime and corruption. “No one is above the law. Those who deviate from their duty will face strict disciplinary and legal action,” he said.
Dr. Yadav added that it is unacceptable for those entrusted with public safety and justice to engage in criminal acts. He asserted that the government’s action in this case will serve as a benchmark for transparency and good governance.
SIT Probes Money Trail and Role of Other Accomplices
Initial investigations revealed that lakhs of rupees were looted and later divided among the accused. The SIT is now examining whether other accomplices or external collaborators were involved. DIG Rakesh Singh confirmed that several pieces of evidence have been collected and recovery of the looted cash is underway.
State Police Department on Alert
The revelations have sparked serious introspection within the state police force. Senior officials are treating the case as a strong warning that any negligence or corruption will not be tolerated. CM Yadav reiterated that while the government will encourage honest officers, “those found guilty will face the consequences.”