A senior Madhya Pradesh police officer has become untraceable after being booked in connection with an alleged coercive land transaction in Katni district. Neha Pachisia, who serves as Katni’s City Superintendent of Police, has meanwhile approached a local court seeking anticipatory bail.
Pachisia was booked along with Kshitij Raj Barapatre and Maroof Ahmed Hanfi in a case concerning the sale of 2.15 hectares of land belonging to the family of Akash Lodhi, an accused in a murder case.
Pachisia, a former air hostess who later joined the police force, was attending a departmental training programme in Bhopal from August 18 to 20 when the FIR was registered. She allegedly left after learning about the case and has not been traced since.
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Barapatre and Hanfi are also untraceable. Police have sealed Pachisia’s office and are searching for the three accused. A Special Investigation Team is likely to be formed.
The Madhya Pradesh government has suspended Pachisia on the directions of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
Land Deal Linked to Murder Case
The allegations surfaced after Lodhi secured default bail because police allegedly failed to file a chargesheet in the murder case within the mandatory 90-day period.
After his release, Lodhi complained that his family had been pressured into selling its land while he was in jail. The complaint reached the Chief Minister’s Helpline, prompting senior officers to examine the matter.
According to the complaint, Lodhi’s father, Ramesh Lodhi, was allegedly made to stay at a house for two days under pressure from Pachisia. He was then taken in a government vehicle to Kanhwara, where the land was registered.
The deal was allegedly finalised for ₹1.07 crore. The family claimed it received only a cheque for ₹15 lakh at the time of registration and was promised the remaining ₹92 lakh within seven days. The balance was allegedly never paid.
The inquiry found that the land was valued at about ₹82.86 lakh under the government guideline rate. The registration documents reportedly recorded a payment of only ₹18.20 lakh.
Investigators are also examining an alleged transfer of ₹15 lakh from Barapatre’s bank account to Hanfi’s. The complaint described Barapatre as Pachisia’s alleged partner and close associate.
Pachisia, Two Co-Accused Remain Untraceable
Police are continuing efforts to locate Pachisia, Barapatre and Hanfi following the registration of the case.
Pachisia’s office has been sealed, while investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the land transaction and the alleged payments connected with it.
Pachisia has approached a local court for anticipatory bail. The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the accused are subject to legal scrutiny.
The possible formation of a Special Investigation Team is also under consideration as authorities examine the role of the accused and the sequence of events surrounding the property deal.
Separate Extortion Allegation Also Under Inquiry
Pachisia was already facing a separate inquiry over an alleged extortion attempt during a vehicle inspection.
Transport operator Mahendra Jain accused her of demanding ₹30,000 after one of his trucks was stopped during an inspection on July 21.
Jain alleged that ₹25,000 was collected in cash at the spot and that the remaining ₹5,000 was to be paid through the driver the next day. He claimed he was threatened that the truck would be impounded if he refused to pay.
Katni Superintendent of Police Abhinay Vishwakarma ordered a preliminary inquiry after Jain submitted a complaint and supporting evidence.
Pachisia’s driver, constable Keshav Singh, was suspended, and the inquiry was handed over to Additional Superintendent of Police Kamal Maurya. Three police stations were also removed from Pachisia’s jurisdiction and assigned to another officer.
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.
