Kozhikode: The alleged disappearance of money seized in an MDMA case has triggered a detailed inquiry in Kozhikode, leading to the transfer of a sub-inspector from the Nadapuram sub-division police station. The issue came to light after the arrested individual claimed that the cash recovered from him was not fully reflected in the official mahazar prepared at the station.

According to the complaint, police had initially seized ₹15,000 from the accused, but only ₹4,500 was entered in the mahazar. The discrepancy prompted the individual to approach the station inspector, who also serves as the station house officer, seeking clarification. Based on the inspector’s preliminary report, the Rural SP transferred the SI from station duties to the District Crime Records Bureau to ensure an impartial investigation.

The probe is now being handled by the Rural District Crime Branch DySP, while the Special Branch has launched a parallel inquiry to examine procedural lapses. Senior officials indicated that both inquiries will scrutinise the chain of custody of the seized cash and the actions of the officer on duty.

This is not the first time the SI has faced internal scrutiny. During his earlier posting in Kozhikode city, he was accused of accepting a watch from a businessman as a reward for handling a case. The internal inquiry eventually concluded that the officer had returned the watch, and the businessman denied gifting it, resulting in the case being closed. In another incident while serving in the Thamarassery sub-division, the SI was suspended after an investigation found lapses in a case involving the death of a bike rider hit by an earthmover. The driver had allegedly removed the earthmover from police custody and replaced it with another vehicle, prompting departmental action at the time.

Officials said that although the previous allegations were addressed separately, they have added public attention to the current case. Authorities affirmed that the transfer was a procedural step aimed at ensuring transparency and maintaining public confidence in the handling of seized property. Further updates are expected as the Crime Branch continues its investigation into the missing money.