A police constable in the Indian state of Karnataka has been suspended after a theft suspect was found to have worn the constable's uniform to make a video call to his wife.
The incident took place in 2024 but came to light during an investigation one year later. According to police sources, Constable Sonare allowed a suspect wanted in fifty criminal cases to wear his official uniform while staying at a hotel.
The constable had taken the accused, along with a fellow officer, to recover stolen jewellery and other items outside the city.
The officers confined the suspect to a hotel room and left the premises to make purchases. During their absence, the suspect wore the police uniform and initiated a video call to his wife in an apparent attempt to impress her.
The matter came to the attention of the authorities in May 2025 during the investigation of another theft in Indiranagar, when images and screenshots were recovered from the suspect's phone. The photographs showed the accused wearing the uniform, with Constable Sonare’s name badge clearly visible.
Officials stated that the incident reflected gross negligence on the part of the police officer, who has since been suspended. An internal inquiry is underway to determine whether the suspect’s connection with police officers enabled him to avoid arrest or commit further crimes.
