Madhya Pradesh chief minister suspends Katni CSP over alleged land fraud

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav directed the state chief secretary to suspend Katni City Superintendent of Police Neha Pachisia immediately after a case was lodged accusing her of coercion and fraud in a land transaction. The investigation revealed that the government-valued land, worth Rs 82,86,930, was sold to Maruf Ahmed Hanafi for Rs 18,20,000, with Rs 15 lakh paid by cheque and Rs 3.20 lakh in cash. Funds for the purchase originated from the accounts of Shine Partners and Kshitij Raj Barapatre, which share the same PAN and are thought to be closely associated with Pachisia.

The Lodhi family, with Ramesh Lodhi incarcerated at the time, was allegedly pressured to accept the undervalued price, and his son Akash Lodhi reported threats when his father tried to reverse the sale. The high court rejected Pachisia's petition for interim relief, and the FIR charges include sections 61, 198, 199(B), 308(7) and 318(4) of the penal code. The chief minister pledged a fair investigation and strict action against any misuse of authority.