6 cops suspended for ‘shoddy’ probe

Six police personnel,including senior police inspector Avinash Sonawane of Mahim police station,were suspended by the Mumbai police commissioner after a departmental inquiry.

The inquiry was conducted with regard to an ‘improper’ probe by them into a year-old case of diamond theft while at LT Marg police station,where Sonawane was posted as senior police inspector last year. “Sonawane had allegedly shown a recovery of stolen booty worth Rs 50,000,while the complainant had lost more than Rs 15 lakh,” said a police officer.

Two of the other suspended officers have been identified as inspector Sarmalkar and sub-inspector Bharmi. Three other constables from LT Marg police station,who were part of the investigation,have also been suspended.

The inquiry was announced by state Home Minister R R Patil in April last year against Sonawane,after leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council,Vinod Tawde,had alleged that Sonwane was also extorting money from builders.

After the inquiry was initiated,Sonawane was transferred to Mahim police station.