Cops tell farmer to approach astrologer to trace stolen onions

A farmer in north Maharashtra, who had approached the police recently to complain about theft of his onions, was left stunned after he was allegedly told to contact an astrologer to trace the thieves.

"I was taken aback after the police told me to contact an astrologer to trace those who stole my onions," farmer Sunil Patil of Lonikhede village in Dhule district said. 

Patil said that after he approached the nearby police outpost to file a complaint, the police did not register his complaint but visited the village to undertake a panchnama, which is normally done after a case is lodged.

"The police asked me whom I suspected to be behind the theft. Now, why would I approach the police if I had known who stole my onions," he said. The theft was of around 40 bags, containing onions worth Rs 80,000, the farmer said.

However, Dhule Superintendent of Police Sahebrao Patil, denied that the policemen on duty had asked the farmer to approach an astrologer. "If it is proved after an inquiry that policemen did tell the farmer to go to an astrologer, they will be suspended immediately," the district police chief told PTI over phone from Dhule. "I have looked into the matter. My officers have visited the spot. I spoke to the policemen on duty at the outpost," he said.