Katni: The Madhya Pradesh Police has stepped up efforts to arrest a suspended City Superintendent of Police (CSP) and two associates in a case involving the alleged transfer of land worth around ₹1 crore for just ₹18 lakh. Police teams have been sent to Jabalpur, other cities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to trace the three accused. An FIR was registered on Thursday, followed by the suspension of the concerned police personnel on Friday. The investigation is now widening to examine the alleged role of other officers and personnel who may have assisted the suspended CSP.
The suspended CSP and associate Kshitij Raj Barapatre have approached the district court seeking anticipatory bail. The plea could not be heard on Saturday as the case diary was reportedly received late. The court may hear the matter on Monday, while police efforts to locate and arrest the accused continue.
Land allegedly transferred under pressure
According to the allegations being examined in the investigation, the suspended CSP pressured a person accused in a murder case to transfer land valued at around ₹1 crore to an associate for ₹18 lakh. Investigators are also examining allegations that official position and government resources were allegedly used to facilitate the transaction.
The investigation has found allegations that the murder accused, Ramesh Lodhi, was kept at the CSP’s official residence for two days. He was subsequently allegedly taken to the registration office in a government vehicle, where the land transaction was completed. Police are now examining the actual market value of the property, the payment involved and the roles of those who participated in the registration process.
Dispute escalated after complaint
After the registration, Ramesh allegedly approached the Chief Minister’s helpline and also submitted an application to the local revenue official seeking to stop the mutation of the property. The allegations state that he was subsequently pressured again and told to pay an additional ₹75 lakh if he wanted to avoid being sent to jail.
After he allegedly refused to make the additional payment, Ramesh and his son-in-law were booked in a case and sent to jail, according to the allegations under investigation.
Investigators are now examining these claims independently. They are also looking into who was involved in preparing the land documents, completing the registration and subsequent mutation proceedings.
Several police personnel under scrutiny
The investigation is not limited to the three accused. Several police officers and personnel are also being examined over allegations that they assisted the suspended CSP. Investigators are checking their roles, communications and involvement in the property-related proceedings.
The investigation has been assigned to an Additional Superintendent of Police at the Jabalpur range level. Investigators are examining available documents, registration records and complaints to establish the sequence of events. They are also trying to determine who ultimately benefited financially from the alleged transfer of the property.
Teams sent to multiple locations
Police teams have been deployed to locate the three accused. Apart from Jabalpur and other cities in Madhya Pradesh, teams have also been sent to Rajasthan to check possible locations.
The anticipatory bail proceedings are expected to be significant for the investigation. Police are also likely to examine the property’s valuation, the amount recorded in the registration documents, the source of the payment and related banking transactions.
Records concerning the alleged use of the government vehicle and official residence could also form part of the investigation.
More names could emerge
Investigators are now attempting to establish the complete chain of events. If documents, digital records, financial transactions or witness statements reveal the involvement of additional people, further action could follow.
For now, efforts to arrest the suspended CSP and the two associates are continuing. The case has raised serious questions over the alleged misuse of official position and government resources for personal benefit. However, the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and their final determination will depend on the evidence presented before the competent authorities and court.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
