‘Illegal custody’ of surat businessman: Days before SC contempt order, state govt revoked suspension of ‘guilty’ cop’

Tushar Shah, the builder, was arrested by Raval in a Rs 1.65-crore cheating case even after he had secured anticipatory bail in the case from the SC on December 8, 2023. Raval was suspended on January 29, after his name cropped up in the case of Shah being allegedly tortured in custody.

The police said that Director General of Police Vikas Sahay had on July 20 passed the orders revoking Raval’s suspension. As Raval joined duty on July 21, acting on the DGP’s order, Surat Commissioner of Police Anupam Singh Gahlaut transferred him to Amreli district the next day.

On July 29, Raval joined duty at Amreli district. However, soon after, he left a message at the district police control room saying that he was going on sick leave for seven days, the police added.

When contacted, Gahlaut said, “Police commissioners in cities and superintendents in districts have the power to suspend inspectors and other low-ranking personnel if the officer is found negligent in duties. The DGP can revoke the order and there is no time frame for it.”

“The suspension of Raval was revoked and he was transferred by the orders of the DGP. We acted as per instructions,” he added. DGP Sahay could not be reached for a comment.

Amreli district Superintendent of Police Himkar Singh told The Indian Express that Raval was posted at the Damnagar police station. “We have come to know that inspector R Y Raval, who was transferred from Surat, has been convicted by the Supreme Court in a contempt of court case. He had worked only for one day after he joined duty here and then went on sick leave saying that a family member was ill,” he added.

After he was allegedly tortured in custody at Vesu police station, Shah had moved a contempt petition before the SC on January 7.

Meanwhile, on July 27, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court of A A Vayda had directed the Surat Police to book Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijay Gurjar, Raval and constable Shardul Mer, under sections 323 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 384 (extortion) and 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC.

The order came after Shah moved court, accusing the three of torturing him at Vesu police station. The accused went on to challenge the order before the sessions court, which heard the matter on August 8. The next hearing is on August 23.