Two Beed cyber police personnel were suspended on Wednesday after an inquiry confirmed their involvement in protocol violations and unauthorised conduct. This action comes in the wake of the suspension of police sub-inspector (PSI) Ranjit Kasale over serious misconduct and a bribery trip to Gujarat in connection with a cyber fraud investigation case.
The suspended PSI, Kasale, was part of a team investigating a cyber crime FIR registered in 2024 with the cyber police station. During the course of the probe, Kasale, along with constable Ramdas Giri and driver Baliram Bhagyavant, allegedly took a suspect from Beed to Gujarat in a private vehicle without seeking mandatory permissions from senior officers.
The breach of police procedure triggered public outrage and led to a departmental inquiry. In an attempt to extort money from third-party individuals named by the suspect, the PSI and the two constables reportedly tried to strike a deal by threatening to implicate them in the investigation while in Gujarat. A video of Kasale demanding money went viral on social media, further escalating the situation.
Following preliminary findings, Beed superintendent of police (SP) Navneet Kanwat and additional SP Sachin Pandkar conducted an inquiry and subsequently suspended Kasale. The decision to suspend Giri and Bhagyavant was made by SP Kanwat on Wednesday.
In the aftermath of their suspension, PSI Kasale, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, released videos making allegations against a senior officer currently posted in the DG office. An inquiry conducted by assistant SP Kamlesh Meena found both Giri and Bhagyavant guilty of misconduct. It was revealed that Bhagyavant was on official leave and not stationed at the cyber police station when he accompanied Kasale to Gujarat. CCTV footage also showed Giri attending an informal meeting while in uniform.
There are indications that the officer-in-charge of the Beed cyber police station, Inspector Devidas Ghat, may also face disciplinary action as his conduct is under review. Sources familiar with the ongoing departmental inquiry confirmed that a report concerning his role has been forwarded to senior officers for consideration. The widening scope of the scandal has brought heightened scrutiny on the Beed Cyber Police unit, with officials emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards such violations.
The entire episode has raised questions about the integrity and ethical standards within the police force and highlighted the importance of adherence to established protocols and procedures in law enforcement agencies. The suspension of the two personnel in addition to PSI Kasale serves as a warning to others in the force that misconduct and unethical behavior will not be tolerated. The fallout from this incident underlines the significance of upholding the trust and confidence of the public in the police force and maintaining the integrity of law enforcement operations.
It is crucial for authorities to address such instances promptly and transparently to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability within the police force. The repercussions of these suspensions are a stark reminder to law enforcement officials of the consequences of deviating from prescribed guidelines and engaging in misconduct, ultimately jeopardizing the credibility and effectiveness of the police department.