A police inspector suspended over the alleged detention has been appointed the  Town Inspector(TI) of Kohefiza police station in Bhopal, even as a departmental inquiry against him remains pending.

Inspector Lokendra Singh Thakur, who had been attached to the police lines following his suspension, has now been given charge of the Kohefiza police station. The move has raised questions over the appointment of an officer facing disciplinary proceedings to a key field posting.

Suspension Followed Escape Of Murder Accused

Thakur was suspended in September 2024 after allegations emerged that a murder accused had been kept in illegal custody for five days before escaping. The accused was later traced and arrested by the Crime Branch.

The incident had prompted action from the Police Headquarters, which ordered a departmental inquiry and removed the inspector from active duty pending investigation.

Departmental Inquiry Yet To Be Concluded

Sources said the inquiry against the officer has not been completed and no final decision has been taken on the allegations. Despite this, he has been entrusted with the responsibility of heading a police station in the state capital.

Officials familiar with the matter said the inquiry report is still awaited, and disciplinary proceedings have not reached their conclusion.

Questions Raised Over Appointment

The decision has triggered debate within police circles over the process followed in assigning important postings. Critics have questioned whether officers facing serious allegations should be given charge of police stations before inquiries against them are completed.

Police officials, however, maintain that postings are made based on administrative requirements and in accordance with departmental procedures.

Headquarters Had Ordered Investigation

Following the alleged custody lapse, the Police Headquarters had sought a detailed report and directed authorities to conduct a departmental investigation into the circumstances that led to the accused’s escape.

With the inquiry still pending, the appointment of Lokendra Singh Thakur as the Kohefiza TI is likely to intensify scrutiny over accountability and transparency within the police department.