Bengaluru cop suspended after thief wears uniform to impress wife

A Bengaluru police constable was suspended on Saturday after a theft suspect in custody was caught wearing his uniform—and using it during a video call to impress his wife. The incident, which occurred in 2024, came to light only during a fresh probe into a recent burglary.

Constable H.R. Sonar, stationed at the Govindapura police station, had taken the accused—identified as Saleem Sheikh, also known as 'Bombay Saleem', who faces over 50 theft charges—outside the city to recover stolen valuables. While staying at a hotel under police watch, the uniform was left unattended in the room. Seizing the opportunity, Saleem donned the uniform and made a WhatsApp video call to his wife—a screenshot of this led to the revelation.

According to a NDTV report, Indiranagar police uncovered the image during their investigation of a May 2025 burglary, prompting an inquiry. Deputy Commissioner of Police (East), B Devaraj, confirmed that the photo clearly showed Sonar’s name badge and that the call was indeed made to Saleem’s wife.

In response, Sonar was suspended for negligence and dereliction of duty. Authorities are now probing whether Saleem’s relationship with officers could have facilitated further wrongdoing or enabled him to remain at large.