Hyderabad: A week after the Rs 23 crore fraud accused escaped from custody, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar suspended Task Force Sub-Inspector Srikanth Goud for dereliction of duty.
Sajjanar held the SI responsible for the security lapse that allowed the accused to flee.
Prime accused in high-profile cheating case
The absconding accused, Vuppalapaty Satish, is the prime suspect in a Rs 23-crore cheating case involving Dr P Vinay Kumar (67), a senior surgical gastroenterologist and son of former Union Minister P. Shiva Shankar.
Satish, along with his wife Shilpa Banda and others, allegedly defrauded Dr. Vinay Kumar through fraudulent investments and false promises of high returns.
Bail plea dismissed by court
Meanwhile, the Nampally Criminal Court on Thursday dismissed the anticipatory bail petition filed by Satish, further tightening the legal noose around him as police teams intensified efforts to trace the absconding family.
Case registered and arrests made
Following Dr. Vinay Kumar’s complaint, the Central Crime Station (CCS) registered a cheating case on September 18 against Satish, his wife, and associates. After weeks of investigation, a Task Force team tracked the accused family to Mumbai and apprehended them on October 23.
Escape during transit
However, during the return journey to Hyderabad on October 24, Satish, his wife, and their 16-year-old daughter escaped from police custody near Sadashivpet.
The escape, which occurred under unclear circumstances, triggered a major embarrassment for the police department. Following the incident, the entire Task Force team was grounded, and an internal probe was ordered.
Inquiry finds serious lapses
The departmental inquiry revealed serious lapses in supervision and procedural failures during the transit of the accused. Acting on the report, Commissioner Sajjanar placed SI Srikanth Goud under suspension on Thursday. Senior officials have also been directed to review transit protocols and strengthen escort procedures.
Search operations intensified
Teams of CCS and local police are conducting search operations across Maharashtra and Gujarat to locate the absconding family.
Police said they are following multiple leads and monitoring possible financial trails and hideouts connected to the accused. Despite efforts, the fugitives remain untraceable as of Thursday evening.
