Security Breach in Bhopal: Top Intelligence Officer's Phones with Sensitive Data Snatched in VIP Zone

Bhopal:

A significant security breach occurred in Bhopal's highly protected Char Imli area when unidentified motorcycle riders snatched two mobile phones from Madhya Pradesh's Inspector General (Intelligence and ATS) Ashish on Tuesday evening. The incident took place at approximately 10 pm while the 2005-batch IPS officer was enjoying an after-dinner walk with his spouse.

According to sources, one of the stolen devices contained classified and sensitive information. Police successfully recovered one phone, which was discarded near the crime scene within 20 minutes. The thief likely abandoned it after discovering its enhanced security features. However, the second phone, believed to store intelligence information, remains missing, triggering an intensive search by security agencies.

A tracking device confirmed the phone's movements before it was powered off in the vicinity of Kolar Guest House.

The Crime Branch and officers from several police stations have been mobilized for the investigation. "We're proceeding with extreme caution, considering the risk of confidential data being compromised," stated a high-ranking officer.

Surveillance footage revealing three individuals on a motorcycle has become the primary lead in the search operation. Two suspects have been detained for interrogation, while the third remains unapprehended.

Investigators are also examining whether the same group executed another phone-snatching incident in Shivaji Nagar later that evening. However, the victim, reportedly a student, did not file an official police report.

Char Imli is home to numerous high-profile residents including the state's DGP Kailash Makwana, Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra, and former Home Minister Narottam Mishra, along with various cabinet ministers and IAS-IPS officers. The fact that even this VIP neighborhood is vulnerable to street criminals has caused alarm throughout the state.

Officials noted that the area where the incident occurred had non-functioning street lighting and outdated, often inoperative CCTV systems. Despite promises of enhanced patrols and technological upgrades, residents remain skeptical. "If an Inspector General can be targeted outside his own residence, what protection do ordinary citizens have?" questioned a Char Imli resident.

Mobile phone thefts and chain-snatchings have become commonplace in Bhopal. This recent incident, however, indicates a concerning trend: criminals no longer seem intimidated by the presence of senior law enforcement officials or high-security zones.