Constable Suspended Over Uniform Incident
In a surprising turn of events, a Bengaluru constable, HR Sonar, has been suspended after a thief in custody wore his police uniform to impress his wife during a video call. This incident, which occurred under the supervision of the Govindapura police, only came to light during a separate investigation a year later.
Background of the Incident
The incident dates back to 2024 when Saleem Sheikh, also known as Bombay Saleem, was arrested by the Govindapura police for his involvement in over 50 theft cases. As part of their efforts to recover stolen items such as jewelry and sarees, the police took Saleem outside Bengaluru and lodged him at a hotel. During this time, Constable Sonar and another officer left Saleem alone in the hotel room while they went shopping.
The Unfolding of Events
In their absence, Saleem discovered Sonar’s uniform in the room. Seizing the opportunity, he donned the uniform and made a WhatsApp video call to his wife, showcasing himself in police attire. This act of bravado might have remained undiscovered had Saleem not been implicated in another burglary in Indiranagar in May 2025. During the investigation of this case, police found photographs and screenshots on Saleem’s mobile phone showing him wearing the uniform.
Official Response and Investigation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) B Devaraj confirmed that these images were from a video call to Saleem’s wife. The discovery led to questioning that revealed Saleem’s previous arrest by Govindapura police and his use of Sonar’s uniform. The negligence displayed by Sonar resulted in his suspension following a report by Indiranagar inspector Sudarshan.
Implications for Law Enforcement
Authorities are now probing whether Saleem’s interactions with Sonar or other officers facilitated further criminal activities or helped him evade capture. As Saleem is a habitual offender with a detailed criminal record, including fingerprints and photographs, the police are examining all aspects of his dealings with law enforcement.