Four Aland police personnel suspended over alleged lapses in PDS rice seizure

Four police personnel, including Aland Police Inspector Sharanabasappa Kodla, have been suspended for alleged lapses in handling a case involving the seizure and subsequent release of a vehicle transporting rice meant for the Public Distribution System (PDS), illegally.

The other suspended personnel are head constables Hanumanth and Mallikarjun, and constable Saibanna, attached to Aland police station.

The action follows allegations that the vehicle, seized by the police late on September 28 night based on information received through the 112-emergency helpline, was released without registering a case or initiating further legal action.

The vehicle was reportedly brought to the police station after it was found transporting PDS rice stocks allegedly without authorisation. However, allegations surfaced that the vehicle was released following a monetary transaction. There were also allegations that a deal involving about ₹1 lakh had been struck for its release. The allegations prompted the police department to initiate an internal inquiry.

The inquiry reportedly found lapses in the discharge of duty and irregularities in the handling of the case. Based on the findings, disciplinary action was initiated against the inspector and the three other personnel.