The Bombay High Court has instructed the Director General of Police to assign a State CID officer, at the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police, to investigate allegations against a police officer accused of using various electronic items—including an air conditioner, TV, printer, and water cooler—without making any payments.

A division bench, consisting of Justice A.S. Gadkari and Justice Neela Gokhale, expressed concern over the seriousness of the allegations, questioning how a police officer could utilize such costly items without following proper protocols. The court's order stated, “The allegations in the complaint are quite serious. It is difficult to comprehend how officers from a specific police station could acquire expensive articles from a private individual without adhering to due procedure. If these allegations hold true, appropriate actions must be taken.”

The court's remarks came during a hearing of a petition filed by Nainesh Panchal, who sought to have an FIR against him for cheating quashed. Nainesh was accused of obtaining nine air conditioners and five water coolers, falsely claiming he owned a shop and would sell the items on commission. However, after receiving the goods, he allegedly failed to pay.

This matter was later settled between Nainesh and the informant, with a consent affidavit submitted to the court to quash the FIR.

In his petition, Nainesh included a complaint dated December 20, 2018, addressed to the Commissioner of Police in Thane City. He detailed his claims against specific police officers, stating he supplied various items—including air conditioners, water coolers, computers, LED TVs, and printers—to the Kasarvadavali police station, but had not received payment despite numerous follow-ups.

Nainesh reported that although his items were eventually returned, the delay caused him considerable financial strain, leading to his inability to fulfill his obligations to the original informant.

In light of these circumstances, the bench mandated that an inquiry into the police officer's conduct be conducted within three months. A subsequent hearing is scheduled for February 5, 2025.