Kerala Police Officer Suspended for Embezzling Traffic Fines

A senior police officer in Kerala has been suspended following accusations of embezzling over Rs 16 lakh from the fines collected for motor vehicle offenses. The officer in question, Shanti Krishnan, allegedly manipulated financial records at the Muvattupuzha police station.

According to the First Information Report registered on July 21, Krishnan faces charges of forgery, using a forged document as genuine, criminal breach of trust by a public servant, and cheating under Indian Penal Code provisions. Further charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act have also been filed.

The discrepancies came to light during routine internal audits, prompting an investigation that confirmed the embezzlement. The accused officer is currently suspended and will undergo a departmental probe and disciplinary proceedings, alongside facing a criminal case.

(With inputs from agencies.)