Rajkot: The Gujarat Home Department has dismissed a senior police officer from service just a day before his retirement after a departmental inquiry found him guilty of misconduct in a gambling-related case.

ACP Vinayak Patel, who was serving at the Rajkot City Police Control Room, was issued a dismissal order on May 30, one day before his scheduled retirement on May 31.

The action followed an inquiry into allegations dating back to Patel’s tenure as ACP, H Division, Vadodara. The probe concluded that he had improperly assisted an accused in a gambling case registered at Makarpura Police Station.

According to the inquiry report, Patel allegedly advised the accused, identified as Sanjay alias Bhuro Amrutlal Chhagani, to avoid staying at his residence, thereby helping him evade police action.

The allegations had triggered controversy at the time, with claims that illegal gratification may have been involved. Following a detailed departmental investigation, the findings were submitted to the Home Department.

After reviewing the report and concluding that the charges had been established, the department imposed the maximum departmental penalty and ordered Patel’s dismissal from service.

The decision, coming just hours before his retirement, has drawn attention within police circles because of its unusual timing. DeshGujarat