Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has taken a tough stand in the Seoni hawala money scandal, directing the registration of an FIR against 11 police personnel, including SDOP Pooja Pandey, in connection with the alleged embezzlement and mishandling of Rs 3 crore in illegal funds. Six of the accused, including SDOP Pandey, have already been arrested.
The case, which has stirred significant controversy, revolves around the seizure of hawala money by the Seoni police. However, what initially appeared to be a successful interception turned into a case of alleged police misconduct and criminal conspiracy.
Strict Legal Action Ordered
Following initial inquiries, Chief Minister Yadav ordered immediate legal action, emphasizing that law and order must be upheld at all costs. “Maintaining public safety and a crime-free environment is the foremost duty of police officers. Any deviation from duty will not be tolerated,” said Dr. Yadav.
He further stated that disciplinary and legal action will be taken against all those found guilty, reaffirming the government’s commitment to good governance and equal enforcement of the law. “No one is above the law, and any violation—regardless of the person’s position—will be dealt with firmly,” he added.
सिवनी प्रकरण में दोषियों के विरुद्ध सख्त अनुशासनात्मक कार्रवाई की जा रही है। किसी भी दोषी को छोड़ा नहीं जाएगा। कानून का उल्लंघन करने वाले अधिकारियों और कर्मचारियों पर होने जा रही कार्रवाई मिसाल बनेगी।
— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) October 14, 2025
अपराध मुक्त मध्यप्रदेश और नागरिकों की सुरक्षा हमारा संकल्प है। pic.twitter.com/urL7XCl9ze
Read also: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Urges IAS Officers to Drive Inclusive Development and Good Governance
FIR Registered Under Indian Justice Code (BNS)
Based on directives from the CM, an FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the 11 accused officials. The charges include:
- Section 310(2) – Dacoity
- Section 126(2) – Wrongful restraint
- Section 140(3) – Kidnapping
- Section 61(2) – Criminal conspiracy
The arrested officials include:
- SDOP Pooja Pandey
- TI (Station In-charge) Arpit Bhairam
- Constables Yogendra, Neeraj, and Jagdish
Other accused include:
- Head Constables Makhan and Rajesh Janghela
- Constables Ravindra Uike and Driver Ritesh
- Gunmen Kedar and Sadafal
The Seoni Hawala Scandal: What Happened?
The scandal broke out in the Bandol police station area of Seoni district, where police, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a vehicle carrying Rs 3 crore in hawala money en route from Maharashtra. However, instead of officially seizing the entire amount, police officers allegedly allowed the traders to flee and declared only Rs 1.46 crore as the seized amount.
According to reports, hawala trader Sohan Parmar initially offered a bribe of Rs 45 lakh to settle the matter. However, SDOP Pooja Pandey and TI Arpit Bhairam allegedly intended to keep the entire sum and rejected the offer. When negotiations failed, Parmar approached Seoni Kotwali police station and filed a complaint accusing the officers of loot.
Following this revelation, nine police personnel, including the SDOP and TI, were suspended. The case has since escalated, with arrests made and FIRs filed under serious criminal charges.
Government Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy on Corruption
The Madhya Pradesh government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and police misconduct. Dr. Mohan Yadav asserted that any interference with the state’s commitment to transparent and accountable governance will not be tolerated.
As investigations continue, the case is being closely watched as a litmus test for law enforcement accountability in the state.
