Rs 8L recovered from cop, more seizures underway: DIG

After the recent arrest of the malkhana munshi of the Sidhwan Bet police station, head constable Gurdas Singh, on the charge of stealing Rs 1.25 crore in cash, lying as a case property in the malkhana of the station, the questioning of the policeman led to the recovery of Rs 8 lakh.

DIG (Ludhiana Range) Satinder Singh said the suspect had given money to his relatives and friends also. He lost money in gambling as well. On the basis of his disclosures, a police team conducted a raid at the house of the suspect and some other places, which led to the recovery of Rs 8 lakh.

When asked if the entire stolen money can be recovered from the policeman, the DIG asserted that a thorough investigation was on in the case and the police would ensure recovery of every penny from the suspect. The police also got details of persons who had received the money and soon more recovery could be made.

On being asked about the involvement of any other police official, the DIG said role of the malkhana munshi was found behind the theft while no other official was found involved. “The suspect was the only culprit due to which he was arrested in the case. No other police official connived with him to steal the cash from the malkhana,” he said.

The head constable is accused of misappropriating cash by breaking seals of bags kept in his custody in the malkhana. The usurped case property also includes drug money that was seized from a gang of smugglers nabbed in December 2023. Though the policeman’s retirement is due in coming weeks, he landed behind bars at the police station.