MUMBAI: A former policeman has been booked after he allegedly usurped ‘muddemaal’ (recovered property) worth Rs 21.6 lakh of which he was the custodian before his retirement from the force. Nandkumar Kharat, 58, a retired assistant sub-inspector, is yet to be arrested.
Kharat used to work at the Nirmal Nagar police station in Khar east as a ‘muddemaal karkoon’ (clerk). His job was to keep items recovered in various cases under lock and key and maintain a database. “Kharat was the custodian of recovered property between 2015 and 2020. After his retirement last year, another constable was appointed in his position. While taking stock, the new appointee could not find cash and gold worth Rs 21.6 lakh in the vault. He then reported the matter to superiors,” a senior police official said.
The police station got in touch with Kharat, who stays in Kalyan, and asked him to appear before officials with the recovered property. “He was called on two occasions but failed to turn up. The property in his custody pertains to recoveries made in 133 different cases,” said the official.
Eventually, an FIR was registered under section 409 of IPC (criminal breach of trust by public servant) against Kharat on Friday. Officers said a preliminary probe will be carried out before making an arrest. Police will investigate if Kharat has spent the money.
