In a shocking breach of trust, Delhi Police Sub-Inspector Ankur Malik allegedly siphoned off Rs 2 crore from cyber fraud recoveries and fled with his fellow officer and romantic partner, Neha Punia. Both officers, part of the 2021 batch, took a seven-day medical leave and never returned, instead embarking on a luxury tour across Goa, Manali, and Jammu and Kashmir, according to an NDTV report.
Malik, posted at Cyber Thana in Delhi’s North-East district, reportedly misused court orders by submitting fake complainant details to release the seized funds, which were then funneled into accounts of his acquaintances. Punia, posted at GTB Enclave, disappeared on the same day, raising suspicion.
Investigations revealed that the officers, both married to other people, had been romantically involved since 2021 and allegedly started the fraud around the same time. After evading authorities for four months, the duo was finally arrested in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where they intended to start a new life under forged identities.
Police recovered gold worth Rs 1 crore, 11 mobile phones, three ATM cards, a laptop, and other items from their possession.
Additionally, three others—Mohammad Ilyas, Aafi alias Monu, and Shadab—were arrested for facilitating money laundering by allowing their bank accounts to be used.
Malik reportedly converted large sums into gold upon arriving in Indore to avoid detection. Both officers are currently under interrogation.
