Rajkot ACP suspended a day before retirement over alleged role in gambling case

A serving Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) in Rajkot was suspended by the Gujarat Police a day before his retirement following a departmental inquiry into allegations that he helped an accused in a gambling case while posted in Vadodara, officials said.

Vinayak G Patel, who was serving in the Rajkot City Police Control Room, was due to retire on May 31 upon attaining the age of superannuation. However, an order issued by Director General of Police (DGP) Dr K L N Rao on May 30 placed him under suspension following the findings of a departmental investigation.

According to police sources, the inquiry related to a gambling case registered at Makarpura Police Station in Vadodara in 2025, when Patel was serving as ACP of H Division.

The investigation allegedly found that Patel had assisted one of the accused, identified as Sanjay Chhanani, by advising him to leave Vadodara for a period to avoid police action.

The matter came to light after Chhanani was arrested and allegedly disclosed Patel's role during questioning.

Following the revelations, the Vadodara Police Commissioner ordered a departmental inquiry into the allegations.

Sources said the inquiry examined evidence and statements related to the case and concluded that Patel had acted improperly. A report of the findings was subsequently forwarded to the Home Department for further action.

Based on the inquiry report, the state police chief ordered Patel's suspension just a day before his scheduled retirement.

Officials said that because the disciplinary proceedings remained pending at the time of his retirement, retirement-related benefits could be withheld until the matter is concluded in accordance with service rules.

Patel had reportedly been scheduled to receive a farewell from Rajkot police officials on his final day of service. 

However, the suspension order reached Rajkot from the state police headquarters in Gandhinagar before the retirement formalities could take place.