Search on for suspended Katni CSP after FIR over land deal
Suspended Katni City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Neha Pachisia remained untraced more than two days after an FIR was registered against her, with police teams searching for her, as reported by The Times of India. India Today reported that Pachisia became untraceable after an FIR was registered in connection with an alleged coercive land deal in Katni district, and that she has approached a local court for anticipatory bail.
Pachisia was booked at the Kuthela police station along with Kshitij Raj Barapatre and Maroof Ahmed Hanfi under Sections 61, 198, 199(B), 307 and 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to The Times of India. The case concerns the sale of 2.15 hectares of land belonging to the family of Akash Lodhi, an accused in a murder case, as reported by India Today.
Allegations of coercion and undervaluation
The allegations surfaced after Lodhi secured default bail because police allegedly failed to file a chargesheet in the murder case within the mandatory 90-day period, as reported by both outlets. After his release, Lodhi complained that his family had been pressured into selling its land while he was in jail, according to India Today. The complaint reached the Chief Minister's Helpline, prompting senior officers to examine the case.
According to the complaint, Lodhi's father, Ramesh Lodhi, was allegedly made to stay at a house for two days under pressure from Pachisia, then taken in a government vehicle to Kanhwara, where the land was registered. The deal was allegedly finalised for Rs 1.07 crore. The family claimed it received only a cheque for Rs 15 lakh at the time of registration and was promised the remaining Rs 92 lakh within seven days, but the balance was allegedly never paid. India Today reported that the land was valued at about Rs 82.86 lakh under the government guideline rate, and that registration documents recorded payment of only Rs 18.20 lakh.
The Times of India, citing an earlier inquiry, reported that land allegedly worth around Rs 1 crore was purchased for just Rs 15-20 lakh in the name of Hanfi, who was allegedly acting as a front for the transaction. Investigators also found that Barapatre had transferred money into Hanfi's bank account before the purchase, despite Hanfi having only a few thousand rupees in his account earlier, The Times of India reported. This aligns with India Today's report that investigators are examining an alleged transfer of Rs 15 lakh from Barapatre's bank account to Hanfi's. The complaint described Barapatre as Pachisia's alleged partner and close associate, as per India Today.
Suspension and investigation
The Madhya Pradesh government suspended Pachisia on the directions of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, India Today reported, with The Times of India confirming she was suspended in connection with the case.
Jabalpur range IG Pramod Verma told The Times of India that an eight-member special investigation team (SIT) had been constituted, headed by additional SP Anjana Tiwari. "An SIT has been constituted to investigate the matter. The eight-member SIT is headed by additional SP Anjana Tiwari. Her last location was found near police headquarters, Bhopal. Search is on for arresting her," Verma said. India Today earlier reported that a Special Investigation Team was likely to be formed, but The Times of India's quote from the IG confirms its constitution.
India Today reported that Barapatre and Hanfi are also untraceable, and that police have sealed Pachisia's office and are searching for the three accused.
Pachisia, a former air hostess who later joined the police force, was attending a departmental training programme in Bhopal from August 18 to 20 when the FIR was registered, according to India Today. She allegedly left after learning about the case and has not been traced since.
The Times of India reported that the allegations had earlier prompted the police department to withdraw Pachisia's supervisory charge over several police stations and suspend her official driver. India Today added that the driver, constable Keshav Singh, was suspended.
Separate extortion inquiry
Pachisia was already facing a separate inquiry over an alleged extortion attempt during a vehicle inspection, as reported by India Today. Transport operator Mahendra Jain accused her of demanding Rs 30,000 after his truck was stopped during an inspection on July 21. Jain alleged that Rs 25,000 was collected in cash at the spot and the remaining Rs 5,000 was to be paid through the driver the next day, and that he was threatened the truck would be impounded if he refused.
Katni SP Abhinay Vishwakarma ordered a preliminary inquiry after Jain submitted a complaint and supporting evidence, India Today reported. The probe was handed over to Additional SP Kamal Maurya, and three police stations were removed from Pachisia's jurisdiction. India Today also reported that an inquiry was conducted by Additional SP Anu Beniwal, who recorded statements of Pachisia and others before submitting her report.
Police said the investigation into the alleged misuse of position, the land transaction and other complaints is continuing, The Times of India reported.