Cops send man to steal seized booze in Chennai

TNN | Updated: Apr 22, 2020, 07:02 IST

Image used for representative purpose

CHENNAI: Non-availability of liquor is not driving tipplers alone to desperation. Some policemen are as much vulnerable.
Two policemen have been placed under suspension for persuading a previous offender to enter a storeroom at the New Washermenpet police station and steal seized liquor bottles.
Police said Murugavel, 54, a head constable and Muthu, 36, a constable, both posted at the police station, decided to steal the bottles when they were on night duty on April 14 as there would be no other guards. They were on duty from 9pm to 6am.
When other personnel reached the police station on April 15, they found at least 50 bottles of 180ml quantity missing. Police usually keep seized items in lockers and keys are kept with the station house officer.
The bottles were seized during a raid at New Washermenpet and kept at the police station to be produced before a court later. Several such raids were conducted at the area after police received complaints about liquor bottles being sold in the black market. They also heightened security at Tasmac shops in the locality.
Meanwhile, officers from the intelligence wing reported the matter to higher-ups who ordered the transfer of Murugavel and Muthu to two different police stations. While the former was transferred to Puzhal police station and the latter was sent to Red Hills police station. Muthu, is a resident of Old Washermenpet while Murugavel resides at Thiruvottiyur.
A detailed probe was ordered into the matter to trace the liquor bottles. During inquiries police found that the two persuaded Aravind, 24, a previous offender, to open the lock of the storeroom using some tools and steal the bottles. They did not leave the lock open as it would raise suspicion and made Aravind to leave it as it was.
Police said they did not sell the bottles and used them for personal consumption. They also gave some of the bottles to Aravind so that he kept mum. Police have not booked Aravind in the crime.
Soon after a report was submitted, the two cops were placed under suspension. Police are yet to register a theft case against the two, sources said.