SHO held for releasing cattle smugglers in exchange for money in Uttar Pradesh

“Upon investigation, Sudhir Kumar Arya’s complicity was discovered, leading to his arrest at the Chakarghatta police station where he was posted. He was subsequently presented before the court and remanded to judicial custody,” the Chandauli Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar said.

Efforts are underway to locate police head constable Sanjay Yadav, who is also implicated in the case. Sanjay Yadav too is posted at the Chakarghatta police station.

Kumar said a letter has been sent to Election Commission recommending suspension of the SHO and the head constable.

In April this year, an audio clip depicting a conversation between a police officer and a woman began circulating online. The police personnel were purportedly heard asking for one lakh rupees from the woman in exchange for releasing persons caught for alleged involvement in cattle smuggling.

Following this revelation, Kumar ordered a deputy superintendent of police rank to conduct an inquiry. Subsequent inquiry revealed that in March, the police officers had allegedly detained three persons and confiscated cattle from them. The accused were allegedly released after their families paid one lakh rupees to the police.

A senior police officer disclosed that the voice featured in the audio clip was believed to be that of head constable Sanjay Yadav. Upon finding prime evidence of wrongdoing, a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered against Yadav at the Chakarghatta police station in April.

“In the course of the investigation, Sudhir Kumar Arya’s involvement was unearthed, leading to his arrest,” added the SP.

He added that during investigation, if the role of other people come to the fore, action would be taken against them.