Chennai: A woman police sub-inspector from the Vadapalani crime wing is under investigation for her alleged involvement in the disappearance of $1,400 (around 1.18 lakh) from a local money exchange. This incident came to light after she apprehended a man attempting to convert nearly $18,000 (about 15 lakh) into Indian rupees.
This unfolded when Kustav Eric, an African national running a hair business, discovered $20,000 missing from his bag while staying at a hotel on Periyar Pathai. He reported the theft to the hotel manager, who informed the Choolaimedu police station.
Sub-Inspector Valiyadevan registered a case and reviewed CCTV camera footage. Police found that a staff member, Mehdi Hussain, had sneaked into Eric's room when he was out. With Hussain missing, the Choolaimedu police alerted local money exchange firms in Choolaimedu and Nungambakkam to be on the lookout for anyone attempting to exchange dollars.
Hussain approached a money exchange in Vadapalani with $17,900. The owner, Sivakumar, notified the Vadapalani crime wing police and sub-inspector Bhuvaneshwari visited the exchange.
After a brief inquiry, she dismissed Hussain but returned $16,500 to Sivakumar for safekeeping. However, Hussain soon returned, requesting the full $17,900. At the same time, Sivakumar received a call from the Choolaimedu police station instructing him to hand over the money.
When he could only provide $16,500, police grew suspicious. Sivakumar told police that the remaining $1,400 had been taken by sub-inspector Bhuvaneshwari. Police are searching for Hussain, and a departmental inquiry has been ordered.