A Bengaluru police constable has been suspended after a thief in custody wore his uniform during a video call to impress his wife. The incident, which occurred in 2024, was revealed during a subsequent investigation in 2025.
Incident Overview and Timeline
A Bengaluru police constable, HR Sonar, was suspended after a thief, Saleem Sheikh, wore his uniform during a video call with his wife. This incident, which occurred in 2024, was uncovered in 2025 during an investigation into Saleem’s further criminal activities. Saleem, known for multiple thefts, was in police custody and locked in a hotel room when he donned Sonar’s uniform and made the call.
During the investigation of a subsequent burglary, police discovered images on Saleem’s phone showing him in the uniform. The presence of Sonar’s name badge confirmed the identity of the officer. This negligence led to Sonar’s suspension, as authorities are now probing whether there was any misconduct or collusion that allowed Saleem to evade law enforcement.
Key Points of the Incident
- Saleem Sheikh arrested for burglary in 2024.
- Wore Sonar’s uniform during a video call with his wife.
- Photos found on Saleem’s phone during a later investigation.
- Sonar suspended for negligence in handling the suspect.
- Ongoing investigation into potential collusion between Saleem and officers.
Details of the Thief’s Arrest
A Bengaluru police constable, HR Sonar, faced suspension after a thief, Saleem Sheikh, donned his uniform during a video call with his wife. This unusual incident occurred in 2024 but was uncovered in 2025 during a separate investigation. Saleem, who has a long history of theft, was in custody for a burglary when he managed to wear Sonar’s uniform found in the hotel room where he was held.
While Sonar and another officer were away shopping, Saleem seized the opportunity to impress his wife by showcasing the police uniform over a WhatsApp call. The situation escalated when Saleem was arrested again for another burglary, leading to the discovery of the incriminating video call photos on his phone, which revealed Sonar’s name badge.
Key Points of the Incident
- Saleem Sheikh wore Sonar’s uniform during a video call.
- Constable Sonar left Saleem unattended in a hotel.
- Saleem has over 50 theft cases against him.
- Photos of the uniform were found during a subsequent arrest.
- Sonar was suspended due to negligence in his duties.
Constable HR Sonar’s Role
A Bengaluru police constable, HR Sonar, faced suspension after a thief in custody, Saleem Sheikh, donned his uniform during a video call with his wife. This incident, which occurred in 2024, was uncovered a year later during a separate investigation. Sonar, stationed at the Govindapura police station, had left Sheikh unattended in a hotel room while he and another constable ran errands.
During this time, Sheikh discovered Sonar’s uniform and decided to impress his wife by wearing it. The situation escalated when Sheikh was later apprehended for another theft, and police found incriminating photos of him in the uniform on his phone. Deputy Commissioner of Police B Devaraj confirmed that this negligence warranted Sonar’s suspension.
Key Points
- Sheikh had multiple theft cases against him.
- Sonar left Sheikh unsupervised, leading to the incident.
- Photos of Sheikh in the uniform were crucial evidence.
- Investigation into possible connections between Sonar and Sheikh is ongoing.
The Video Call Incident Explained
A Bengaluru police constable, HR Sonar, was suspended after a thief, Saleem Sheikh, wore his uniform during a video call to impress his wife. The incident, which occurred in 2024, was revealed during a separate investigation in 2025. Saleem, a notorious thief with multiple cases against him, was under police supervision at a hotel when he found Sonar’s uniform and used it for a WhatsApp call.
Deputy Commissioner of Police B Devaraj confirmed that the photos from the video call clearly displayed Sonar’s name badge. This negligence led to Sonar’s suspension as it raised concerns regarding his conduct and potential complicity in Saleem’s criminal activities.
Key Steps in the Incident
- Saleem Sheikh was arrested for burglary.
- He was placed in a hotel under police supervision.
- Sonar left Saleem alone, during which he wore the uniform.
- Saleem made a video call to his wife while in uniform.
- Photos were discovered during a later investigation, leading to Sonar’s suspension.
Saleem Sheikh’s Criminal History
Saleem Sheikh, also known as Bombay Saleem, has a notorious background with over 50 theft cases registered against him. His criminal activities led to his arrest by the Govindapura police in 2024 for a burglary. During his custody, an incident occurred that would further complicate his legal troubles.
While being held at a hotel under police supervision, Saleem took advantage of a moment of negligence. He donned the uniform of Constable HR Sonar and made a video call to his wife to impress her. This act not only raised concerns about security but also highlighted issues of police oversight.
Key Points of Saleem’s Criminal History
- Over 50 theft cases against him.
- Arrested in 2024 for a burglary.
- Wore a police uniform during a video call.
- Suspension of Constable Sonar due to negligence.
- Captured in another burglary case in May 2025.
Police Response to the Incident
A Bengaluru police constable, HR Sonar, has been suspended due to a serious lapse in duty after a thief, Saleem Sheikh, wore his uniform during a video call with his wife. The incident, which occurred in 2024, was revealed in 2025 when Saleem was arrested for another burglary. During police supervision at a hotel, he found Sonar’s uniform and used it to impress his wife.
Deputy Commissioner of Police B Devaraj confirmed the negligence, stating that Sonar’s actions not only compromised police integrity but also raised concerns about Saleem’s ability to commit further crimes. The investigation now focuses on whether Sonar or other officers had any involvement in facilitating Saleem’s activities.
Key Points of the Incident
- Constable Sonar suspended for negligence.
- Thief wore uniform during a video call.
- Saleem had multiple theft cases against him.
- Incident revealed during a separate investigation.
- Police are investigating potential connections between Saleem and officers.
Evidence Found on Saleem’s Phone
A Bengaluru police constable, HR Sonar, has been suspended after a thief, Saleem Sheikh, was caught wearing his uniform during a video call with his wife. This incident, which occurred in 2024, came to light during a subsequent investigation in 2025 when Saleem was arrested for another burglary. Evidence gathered from his phone revealed photos of him in Sonar’s uniform, complete with the constable’s name badge.
During his earlier arrest, Saleem was kept in a hotel under police supervision while officers attempted to recover stolen items. In a moment of negligence, Sonar and another constable left Saleem alone in the room, allowing him to don the uniform and impress his wife over a video call.
Key Points of the Incident
- Saleem wore Sonar’s uniform during a video call.
- Photos on Saleem’s phone confirmed the incident.
- Sonar was suspended for negligence.
- Investigation ongoing into potential connections between Saleem and police officers.
- Saleem has a history of theft, with over 50 cases against him.
Implications of Police Negligence
The suspension of Bengaluru constable HR Sonar highlights significant issues related to police negligence and accountability. Allowing a thief to access a police uniform while under supervision raises serious concerns about operational protocols and the security of detainees. This incident reveals not only a lapse in judgment but also potential systemic weaknesses within the police department.
Such negligence can erode public trust in law enforcement, as citizens expect officers to maintain strict control over suspects. Furthermore, it raises questions about the integrity of police procedures and the potential for misuse of authority. The investigation into the relationship between Saleem Sheikh and the police may uncover deeper issues within the force.
| Aspect | Implications |
|---|---|
| Public Trust | Decreased confidence in law enforcement |
| Operational Protocols | Need for review and reinforcement |
| Accountability | Potential disciplinary actions against officers |
Public Reaction to the Suspension
The suspension of Bengaluru constable HR Sonar has sparked a mix of disbelief and outrage among the public. Many citizens expressed concern over the apparent negligence exhibited by the police in allowing a thief to don an officer’s uniform. This incident raises questions about police protocols and accountability.
Social media platforms have been flooded with comments, with some users calling for stricter disciplinary actions against officers who fail to uphold their responsibilities. Others have highlighted the need for better training and supervision within the police force to prevent such incidents in the future.
| Public Sentiment | Comments |
|---|---|
| Disbelief | âHow could this happen?â |
| Outrage | âThis is unacceptable negligence!â |
| Concerns | âWhat about police accountability?â |
Ongoing Investigations into Saleem’s Crimes
A Bengaluru police constable has faced suspension following a bizarre incident involving a thief, Saleem Sheikh, who donned the constable’s uniform while in custody. This unusual event unfolded during a video call with Saleem’s wife, revealing significant negligence on the part of Constable HR Sonar. Saleem, who has a lengthy criminal record, was under police supervision at a hotel when he accessed Sonar’s uniform.
After the incident came to light during a separate investigation into Saleem’s activities, authorities are now scrutinizing the relationship between Saleem and the police officers involved. The discovery of photos on Saleem’s phone, depicting him in the uniform, has raised concerns about potential collusion and the possibility that he may have received assistance in evading capture.
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Uniform Incident | Saleem wore Sonar’s uniform during a video call to impress his wife. |
| Constable Suspended | Constable HR Sonar suspended for negligence in allowing this to happen. |
Conclusion
This incident highlights significant lapses in protocol and oversight within the Bengaluru police force. The suspension of Constable HR Sonar serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining strict security measures, especially when dealing with individuals in custody. To prevent similar occurrences in the future, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to reinforce training on proper handling of detainees, ensure uniforms and personal belongings are secured, and implement stricter supervision protocols. Addressing these vulnerabilities will not only protect the integrity of the police force but also enhance public trust in law enforcement practices.
FAQs
Why was the Bengaluru constable suspended?
The constable was suspended for negligence after a thief in custody wore his uniform during a video call with his wife.
Who is Saleem Sheikh?
Saleem Sheikh, also known as Bombay Saleem, is a thief with over 50 theft cases against him, arrested for burglary.
How did Saleem get access to the constable’s uniform?
Saleem found the constable’s uniform in the hotel room where he was being kept under police supervision.
What was the outcome of the investigation?
The investigation revealed Saleem’s use of the uniform during a video call, leading to the constable’s suspension for negligence.
Are there any further implications for the constable or Saleem?
Police are investigating whether there were any connections between Saleem and the constable that facilitated further crimes.