BENGALURU: A major embarrassment has hit the city’s Cybercrime Police Station (CCPS) after a head constable allegedly hid a suspect’s cash-filled bag under a cot in his bedroom. The shocking incident, reported by The Times of India, has raised serious questions about internal accountability within the cybercrime wing.
A routine chase turns into a major controversy
Two weeks ago, a CCPS team—including 48-year-old head constable Zabiulla I. Gudiyal—tracked a cyber-fraud suspect to Devanahalli. The suspect fled on foot after abandoning his vehicle. Officers reported the escape but made no mention of valuables found inside the car. According to the report, the vehicle’s boot contained a bag with ₹11 lakh in cash, a laptop, a mobile phone, and sunglasses. Instead of reporting this, Zabiulla allegedly kept silent and secretly took the bag home, hiding it beneath his cot.
Suspect returns with anticipatory bail
The matter escalated when the suspect obtained anticipatory bail and returned to claim his car. On discovering the missing bag, he immediately alerted senior officers, prompting an internal review. Investigators quickly traced the last handler of the vehicle: Zabiulla.
Interrogation leads to recovery of hidden bag
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) P. Raja Imam Kasim questioned Zabiulla, who eventually confessed. A raid on his residence led to the recovery of the bag with all items intact. Zabiulla reportedly claimed he had “forgotten” about the bag and offered no proper explanation for failing to inform his team.
Senior officers unconvinced
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh and other senior officials were briefed. Neither they nor the complainant accepted Zabiulla’s explanation. Officers said the act violated basic protocols for handling seized property and damaged the credibility of the CCPS.
Disciplinary action expected
Zabiulla now faces departmental disciplinary proceedings and is likely to be suspended. The department is also reviewing how the disappearance went unnoticed until the complainant returned.
Broader questions for the cybercrime division
The incident has raised concerns over the cybercrime division’s chain-of-custody rules and internal monitoring. Experts argue for stricter documentation, regular audits, and stronger supervision to ensure transparency.
Conclusion
While the valuables were recovered, the case has highlighted serious lapses in internal policing protocols. As proceedings continue, the Bengaluru Police are expected to tighten evidence-handling procedures to prevent similar breaches.