Bhopal/Indore: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has delivered a landmark judgment protecting honest law enforcement. Justice Jai Kumar Pillai quashed the suspension of Sub-Inspector Lokendra Singh Hihore, who was penalized after raiding a farmhouse linked to IAS Vandana Vaidya, 2009 Batch, Madhya Pradesh Cadre.
The court labeled the state’s action as “vindictive” and “arbitrary,” sending a strong message against the harassment of officers performing their legal duties.
Key Details of the Raid and Suspension
The case revolves around a late-night raid conducted in Indore district (Gramin) that exposed an illegal gambling ring.
- The Raid: On the night of March 10-11, Sub-Inspector Lokendra Singh Hihore raided a farmhouse in Gram Avlipura.
- The Findings: Police caught over 20 people gambling and seized significant cash, mobile phones, and vehicles.
- The Conflict: The property was identified as belonging to an IAS officer. Hihore alleged he faced “immense external pressure” to hide the location of the raid in the FIR to protect the official’s identity.
- The Retaliation: Because Hihore recorded the true facts in the FIR, he was suspended the very same day by the Superintendent of Police, Indore (Gramin).
Court’s Scathing Remarks on State Action
Justice Jai Kumar Pillai did not mince words while evaluating the State’s justification for the suspension.
- “Pick and Choose” Policy: The court noted that another officer who conducted a similar raid was not punished, proving the action against Hihore was selective and biased.
- Contradictory Logic: The State claimed Hihore failed at “intelligence gathering.” The court laughed this off, noting that the successful raid itself was proof of excellent intelligence.
- Protecting Integrity: The Bench stated that if such suspensions are allowed, no officer would ever dare to raid the premises of powerful individuals due to fear of losing their job.
- Absurdity of Orders: The court highlighted a “glaring non-application of mind,” pointing out that an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) who was on sick leave at the time was also suspended.
Who is IAS Vandana Vaidya
Vandana Vaidya is a senior bureaucrat known for her extensive administrative experience across various districts and state-level departments in Madhya Pradesh.
- Batch & Cadre: 2009 Batch, Madhya Pradesh Cadre.
- Current Designation: Managing Director (MD), Madhya Pradesh Finance Corporation, Indore.
Career Highlights:
- District Administration: Served as the District Collector of Shahdol, where she was recognized for her work in tribal welfare and implementing rural development schemes.
- Finance & Economics: Currently leading the MP Finance Corporation, focusing on industrial credit and financial assistance to small and medium enterprises in the state.
- Public Service: Throughout her career, she has held various key positions, including roles in the State Secretariat, contributing to policy-making in departments like Home and General Administration.
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