📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Yann Forget
Crime
Madhya Pradesh police officer, ex‑air hostess, faces CM’s ire over land‑grab extortion case
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 22 Aug 2026, 07:37 AM
👁 24
A senior Madhya Pradesh police officer, who earlier worked as an air hostess and later served as city SP, has been accused of extorting money in a land‑grab dispute, prompting sharp criticism from the state chief minister.
The officer, whose career began as an air hostess before joining the police service, rose to the rank of city Superintendent of Police before becoming embroiled in a land‑grab controversy. Local officials allege that he used his position to force landowners to pay large sums in exchange for favorable treatment, an act that qualifies as extortion under Indian law.
The controversy erupted after several property owners lodged complaints with the district administration, claiming the officer threatened them with legal action unless they handed over money. Investigations by the state crime branch have reportedly uncovered evidence of financial transactions linked to the alleged scheme.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan publicly expressed his displeasure, stating that any police official involved in illegal land acquisition would face strict disciplinary action. The CM's remarks have intensified scrutiny of the officer's conduct and raised questions about accountability within the state's law‑enforcement agencies.
The officer has denied the allegations, asserting that the accusations are politically motivated. He is currently under investigation, and the case is expected to be examined by a special court to determine any criminal liability.
The controversy erupted after several property owners lodged complaints with the district administration, claiming the officer threatened them with legal action unless they handed over money. Investigations by the state crime branch have reportedly uncovered evidence of financial transactions linked to the alleged scheme.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan publicly expressed his displeasure, stating that any police official involved in illegal land acquisition would face strict disciplinary action. The CM's remarks have intensified scrutiny of the officer's conduct and raised questions about accountability within the state's law‑enforcement agencies.
The officer has denied the allegations, asserting that the accusations are politically motivated. He is currently under investigation, and the case is expected to be examined by a special court to determine any criminal liability.