A shocking case of misappropriation has surfaced in the Amberpet Police Station after Sub-Inspector (SI) Bhanu Prakash was suspended for allegedly mortgaging gold seized in a theft case and failing to account for his service revolver. The gold, weighing Around 43 grams, had been recovered from an accused in a domestic theft case and was due to be returned to its owner after settlement in Lok Adalat.
According to investigation reports, the SI allegedly Pawned the recovered gold with a local jeweller instead of handing it back to the complainant. During questioning, Bhanu Prakash reportedly confessed to pledging the gold to manage financial losses he incurred due to Online betting. Police later traced and recovered the pledged ornaments from the pawnbroker.
The incident took an even more serious turn when his Official service revolver was found missing from the station. Only the ammunition was recovered from his locker. Investigators suspect that the weapon may have also been pledged or sold, though its whereabouts remain unknown. Police are verifying conflicting statements given by the suspended officer.
Bhanu Prakash, a 2020 batch officer hailing from Rayachoti in Andhra Pradesh, had been serving at Amberpet Police Station for the past 18 months. He was also recently selected for a Group-II government post in Andhra Pradesh, which further intensified scrutiny of his conduct.
Police officials have registered a criminal case against him for Misappropriation of seized property and dereliction of duty. A separate departmental inquiry has also been ordered to investigate whether similar irregularities occurred in other cases handled by him.
Hyderabad Police Commissionerate has stated that strict action will be taken and the matter is being investigated on priority, especially due to the missing government issued firearm, which poses a potential public safety threat.
Key Allegations
- Misuse of gold seized in a theft case
- Gold allegedly mortgaged for online betting debts
- Service revolver missing; suspected to be mortgaged or sold
- Criminal and departmental action initiated
