Kochi: A woman police officer was booked and suspended for allegedly embezzling over ₹16 lakh from fines collected for traffic violations at the Muvattupuzha police station between 2018 and 2022. According to the FIR registered on July 21, the accused, Senior Civil Police Officer (SCPO) Shanti Krishnan, faces charges under the Indian Penal Code for forgery, using forged documents, criminal breach of trust by a public servant, and cheating. She has also been charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act, reports PTI.

District police officials said Krishnan, who served as assistant station writer at the time, manipulated entries in the station's cash book and fine receipts by under-reporting collected amounts and pocketing the difference. Her duties involved recording traffic fines and depositing the funds into the police account, but she allegedly altered figures to mislead audits and diverted ₹16,76,650 for personal gain.

The fraud came to light during routine internal audits, which raised suspicions and prompted a deeper investigation. Officials confirmed that disciplinary action will be taken against her alongside the criminal proceedings. Krishnan was placed under suspension and will also face a departmental probe.