Vaishali/Patna: Vaishali Women Police Station SHO Purnima Kumari has been suspended with immediate effect following a police inquiry into a viral audio clip in which she was allegedly heard demanding ₹1 lakh in the name of the Tirhut range DIG office to remove an accused’s name from a case.
The action was taken by the Vaishali Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) following directions from the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Tirhut Range, Muzaffarpur.
According to a press release issued by the Vaishali SSP’s office, the viral audio clip was verified on the directions of the DIG. During the verification, it emerged that the audio recording was from August 22, 2026. Police are also examining CCTV footage available at the women’s police station as part of the investigation.
Inquiry Ordered Into Viral Audio
The entire matter was investigated by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Sadar-2, Lalganj. During the inquiry, police examined the viral audio clip and questioned the police personnel and other individuals connected with the matter.
The inquiry was related to Vaishali Women Police Station Case No. 64/25. According to the police, the audio contained a conversation with a relative of an accused in the case, during which facts relating to an alleged demand for an undue benefit in exchange for removing the accused’s name from the case came to light.
The investigating officer also examined the available evidence and facts before submitting the inquiry report.
SHO Suspended After Prima Facie Findings
The inquiry report stated that, prima facie, the conduct of Purnima Kumari appeared to be unethical and suspicious in connection with the matter.
Based on the findings of the inquiry, the Vaishali SSP suspended Purnima Kumari, a police sub-inspector and SHO of the Women Police Station, with immediate effect.
The police have also continued efforts to verify the circumstances surrounding the audio, including examination of CCTV footage from the police station premises.
Case Linked to Marital Dispute
The matter reportedly originated from a marital dispute. Women Police Station Case No. 64/25 was registered after a woman allegedly accused her husband and members of her in-laws’ family in connection with an attempt on her life.
The husband, identified in reports as Navlesh Kumar, is posted as a Dial 112 driver at the Vaishali police lines.
It was during the subsequent proceedings in the case that allegations surfaced regarding a demand for ₹1 lakh in the name of the Tirhut range DIG office for removing a person’s name from the case.
Audio Circulated Widely on Social Media
The audio clip subsequently circulated widely on social media, prompting the Tirhut Range DIG to take cognisance of the matter and order an inquiry.
The police said the verification process examined the recording, questioned individuals and assessed available evidence. The subsequent inquiry report formed the basis for the suspension of the SHO.
The alleged demand and the contents of the audio remain subject to the ongoing verification process. The suspension follows the prima facie findings of the departmental inquiry and does not by itself establish criminal liability.
