Guna SP removed over Hawala case lapses:Ignored informing senior officers and avoided action

In a major administrative action in Guna district, Superintendent of Police Ankit Soni has been removed on the instructions of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. The decision follows a hawala-related case involving the seizure of ₹1 crore from a trader’s car and an alleged ₹20 lakh bribe. IPS officer Hitika Vasal has been appointed as the new SP of Guna. Why the SP was removed Despite no direct involvement in the money transaction, two major lapses led to action against Ankit Soni: 1. Failure to inform senior officers (PHQ) The SP was aware of the incident on March 20 but did not inform senior officers at Police Headquarters (PHQ), which was considered a serious lapse. 2. No action against accused policemen Even after learning about the involvement of subordinate police personnel, the SP failed to initiate action against them. What happened in the Hawala case On the night of March 19, around 10:30 PM, police personnel conducting vehicle checks in the Ruthiyai outpost area allegedly struck a deal with a trader from Gujarat. The police team reportedly accepted ₹20 lakh and allowed a car carrying ₹1 crore in cash to go. The next day, after a call from an IPS officer in Gujarat, the ₹20 lakh was returned. Four policemen involved in the case have been suspended. Their call detail records (CDR) are being examined, and efforts are underway to contact the trader. Key accused policemen identified CM sends strong message on accountability Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that administrative negligence will not be tolerated. “The role of the SP was found unsatisfactory in the cash seizure case. Strict action has been taken, and accountability will be fixed,” he said. He stressed that any irregularity or laxity in administration will not be accepted, and strict action will continue against those responsible. Praised by Scindia just days earlier Interestingly, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had praised SP Ankit Soni just a week earlier during his visit to Guna (March 16–18). He had appreciated the police for tracing a missing girl within 25 minutes during a public event. However, local representatives and party workers were reportedly unhappy, stating they could not meet the minister due to heavy police deployment during his visit. They also complained about restrictions on fireworks during welcome events. Frequent SP transfers in Guna Guna district has witnessed frequent changes in police leadership. Over the past five years, seven SPs have been replaced due to various controversies. Strict administrative approach under CM Yadav Since taking oath on December 13, 2023, CM Mohan Yadav has adopted a strict governance approach. In about two and a quarter years, action has been taken against 18 senior officers, including 10 IAS and 8 IPS officials. At least seven major cases have seen direct action against district-level officers such as Collectors and SPs, signaling a zero-tolerance policy on administrative lapses.