India, Oct. 11 -- In a major embarrassment for the Madhya Pradesh Police, nine personnel posted in Seoni district have been suspended for allegedly looting Rs 1.45 crore in hawala money that was being transported from Katni in Madhya Pradesh to Jalna in Maharashtra.

The incident took place near the Bandol police station area, where a team on night patrol intercepted a four-wheeler carrying unaccounted cash. Instead of seizing the money and reporting it to senior officers as per procedure, the policemen allegedly assaulted the driver, drove him away, and took possession of the cash.

The matter came to light after the businessman who owned the money lodged a complaint at Kotwali police station the next morning.

Acting swiftly, Inspector ...