In a major embarrassment for the Madhya Pradesh Police, 10 personnel — including a sub-divisional officer of police (SDOP) — have been suspended for allegedly looting Rs 1.45 crore of suspected hawala money that was being transported from the state’s Katni area to Jalna in Maharashtra news agency PTI reported. The suspended officers also allegedly assaulted the vehicle's driver before fleeing with the cash, officers said on Friday.

The incident came to light after the driver and the businessman who had sent the money approached police authorities, prompting Inspector General (IG) of Police (Jabalpur Zone) Pramod Verma to order an inquiry into the matter.