Daijiworld Media Network – Moodbidri
Moodbidri, Mar 17: Following a detailed investigation by the assistant commissioner of police (ACP), the state department has ordered the immediate suspension of Moodbidri police inspector Sandesh P G. The action comes after leaked audio and video clips allegedly showed the officer indulging in questionable behavior and using inappropriate language with women.
Findings on media allegations
The ACP’s report addressed recent public allegations made by two women. Prafulla Naik, who had recently held a press conference, alleged that her sister, Sumathi Naik, was attempting to defame the inspector due to an ongoing family dispute. The report confirmed that multiple cases are registered against both sisters, as well as the inspector, based on their mutual complaints. Except for one ongoing investigation, all these cases are currently stayed by the High Court and are pending judicial decision.
The second woman, Avitha Minages, had also issued media statements accusing the inspector of harassment and bribery. However, the ACP’s findings revealed that her husband faces four criminal cases, including one where the couple is accused of misappropriating funds collected for a poor person’s kidney treatment. The report stated that a chargesheet has already been filed in that case. Furthermore, the investigation found no evidence of harassment or bribery at the location mentioned by Minages, as CCTV footage and statements from two media persons and a lawyer present during the interaction refuted her claims.
Questionable conduct and suspension
The report clarified that the women who appeared in the media are not the same individuals seen or heard in the viral video and audio clips. While the two women featured in the leaked recordings have refused to file official complaints at this stage, they have been informed that they may submit statements in the future.
Despite the lack of formal complaints from the victims in the recordings, the ACP concluded that the video and audio evidence clearly depicts the inspector engaging in inappropriate behavior and speaking to a woman over the phone in an unprofessional manner.
Based on these findings of misconduct, the department has placed the inspector under suspension pending a detailed departmental enquiry.