ASI held for selling call records in MP:ATS arrests detectives too after Bhaskar expose, CDR deals under scanner

The impact of a Dainik Bhaskar report has led to major action, with the ATS Bhopal arresting Indore Detective Service operator Yogesh Belwal, Bhopal-based Karma Detective Agency’s Aniket Patel, and Indore Crime Branch ASI Rampal. During interrogation, it was revealed that ASI Rampal was providing call detail records (CDR) of individuals to private detectives in exchange for commission. ATS is questioning the three accused to determine the amount of commission involved and whose CDRs were shared. Bhaskar had published the report on April 8, exposing how detective agencies were offering call detail records of any person for small amounts. A Bhaskar reporter had provided the mobile number of an ACS-rank officer posted in the CM Secretariat to these agents. Indore Detective Service operators Mukesh Tomar and Yogesh Belwal had agreed to provide the details for ₹40,000, while Bhopal-based Aniket Patel was ready to do so for ₹20,000. First caught the ASI Although the report initially mentioned only detective agencies, CDRs can be accessed only through authorised signatures of police officials. ATS traced Mukesh Tomar’s call records and found he was in regular contact with Crime Branch ASI Rampal. ATS first detained Rampal for questioning. Data from his mobile and laptop revealed he had shared CDR copies with Mukesh and Yogesh and had met them multiple times. This was confirmed through mobile tower locations and social media photos. After Rampal’s arrest, Mukesh Tomar fled and escaped to Uttarakhand, switching off his mobile phone. Serious breach of privacy ADG Intelligence A Sai Manohar stated that accessing CDRs is a sensitive matter and strict SOPs exist to protect the right to privacy. Violating these norms is a serious offence. He confirmed that three accused have been arrested so far and action will be taken against others if found involved during the investigation. Background of Bhaskar report The April 8 report had revealed that call details were being sold for as low as ₹20,000 in Madhya Pradesh, with different rates for IAS officers, politicians, girlfriends and others. A detective was even caught on camera claiming they could provide bank balance details as well.