Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 24: An assistant commissioner of police (ACP) and head constable (HC) of Central Crime Branch (CCB) here have been suspended for leaking information pertaining to the ongoing Sandalwood drug scandal investigation.

ACP, M R Mudavi of the women protection wing of the CCB and head constable, Mallikarjun, stand suspended. It is said that even though Mudavi was not part of the probing teams, he used to gather information from his colleagues and pass on information to relatives and the accused. This was hampering the investigation. Officials of the probing team, who got suspicious, brought this fact to the notice of senior officers, who conducted an internal inquiry and found that Mudavi was involved.

ACP M R Mudavi

CCB joint police commissioner Sandeep Patil had sent a report to the police commissioner, recommending departmental disciplinary action against the ACP. On that basis, ACP Mudavi and head constable Mallikarjun, who has been accused of helping Mudavi in the task, were suspended on Wednesday by the police commissioner, Kamal Pant.

Reportedly, Mudavi had entered into an understanding with Delhi-based Viren Khanna, who was in CCB custody relating to drugs scandal, against the offer of money, it is said. When Viren was in custody, the ACP is said to have helped him to get in touch with his accomplices and relatives. Under Mudavi's instruction, Mallikarjun is said to have provided his cellphone to Khanna many times.

It is also learnt that Mudavi had a connection with Sri Lankan casino owner, Shaikh Fazil, who has gone into hiding, and his family members. CCB officials said that Mudavi used to share details of the probe being conducted against Fazil with his family members.

Reportedly Mudavi had entered into an agreement with Khanna for payment of Rs 50 lac. CCB said that departmental inquiry has been ordered against Mudavi.