Bihar Shock: SHO and Sub-Inspector Accused of Pocketing ₹50 Lakh Cash and 2 kg Gold; DIG Orders FIR

In a shocking case that has raised serious questions over police integrity in Bihar, Tirhut Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Chandan Kumar Kushwaha has ordered the registration of an FIR against a station house officer (SHO) and a sub-inspector (SI) of Lalganj police station in Vaishali district. The two officers are accused of siphoning off a massive seizure of cash and jewellery during a raid and deliberately omitting it from official records.

The DIG’s action follows the detection of grave procedural lapses during a police raid, including failure to document seized valuables and non-compliance with mandatory videography norms. The officers allegedly “made disappear” cash and precious metals worth crores of rupees.

What is the case?

The incident dates back to December 30, when a Lalganj police team led by SHO Santosh Kumar and Sub-Inspector Sumanji Jha conducted a raid at the residence of Ramprit Sahni in Bilanpur village. As per the official seizure memo, the police claimed to have recovered only three television sets, two live cartridges, one empty shell and some copper utensils. Sahni’s wife was also arrested during the operation.

However, subsequent inquiry revealed startling discrepancies.

Seizure worth crores allegedly concealed

Investigations found that during the same raid, the police team had allegedly recovered ₹50 lakh in cash, around 2 kg of gold and nearly 6 kg of silver, none of which was mentioned in the seizure list or case diary. The mandatory videography of the seizure was also not carried out, raising strong suspicion of deliberate concealment and misappropriation.

Truth uncovered in senior-level probe

Lalganj SDPO Gopal Mandal received confidential inputs about manipulation in the seizure records and immediately informed Vaishali SP Lalit Mohan Sharma. A detailed inquiry ordered by the SP confirmed the allegations. The findings were then forwarded to the DIG, who directed strict action, including registration of an FIR against both officers.

Even before the DIG’s order, the accused SHO and SI had been suspended on January 4. Calling the incident “a blot on the police uniform,” the Vaishali SP said such conduct would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Sub-inspector has a tainted past

Notably, Sub-Inspector Sumanji Jha has a history of corruption allegations. In 2024, while posted in Muzaffarpur, he was caught red-handed by the Vigilance Bureau while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹11,000. That case is still pending in court, yet the officer allegedly continued to indulge in corrupt practices.

The case has sent shockwaves through the police department and strengthened demands for stricter oversight and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Further investigation is underway, and officials have indicated that exemplary action will be taken if the charges are proven.