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Supreme Court to probe Bihar police’s ‘rats ate cash’ claim
The Supreme Court expressed surprise at the claim that currency notes were destroyed by rats and indicated a wider inquiry into evidence storage in Bihar malkhanas. The bail order for a former CDPO is part of the context, with potential systemic implications for how seized evidence is preserved.
Why It Matters
The move signals a possible overhaul of evidence management practices in Bihar, with potential implications for the integrity of criminal trials and the handling of public money.
Timeline
3 Events
Supreme Court bail order and broader probe on evidence storage
May 7, 2026
On May 7, 2026, the Supreme Court bench granted bail to the former CDPO, suspending her four-year sentence. The bench expressed surprise at the rodent-destruction explanation and indicated a broader inquiry into how evidence is stored in Bihar malkhanas and whether public money is routinely lost, suggesting implications beyond the present case.
Patna High Court upholds conviction in 2025
2025
The Patna High Court upheld the conviction in 2025, relying on documentary proof such as the malkhana register and holding that non-production of seized articles would not by itself demolish the prosecution case.
2019 EOU trap operation leads to seized cash stored in malkhana
2019
An Economic Offences Unit (EOU) trap operation in Bihar in 2019 led to the accused alleging demand and acceptance of ₹10,000 as a bribe. The cash was seized, sealed and deposited in the police malkhana as primary evidence.