Pune Police Personnel Face Charges in Extortion and Intimidation Case
In a significant development highlighting alleged misconduct within the police force, the Bund Garden Police in Pune have registered a formal offence of extortion and criminal intimidation against three police personnel. The accused include a sub-inspector, a woman police constable, and a male constable, who are alleged to have threatened a college principal and extorted a substantial sum of Rs 7 lakh from him.
Incident Details and Timeline of Events
The incident reportedly occurred in July of last year at an engineering diploma college situated on Bund Garden Road. However, it only came to public attention earlier this week, following a series of complaints and investigations. Based on preliminary findings, the case has now been escalated and handed over to the Pune City Crime Branch for a thorough and detailed investigation to uncover all facets of the alleged crime.
The accused sub-inspector is currently serving with the Pune Cyber Police, while the two constables are attached to the Shivajinagar Police Station. This cross-jurisdictional involvement adds complexity to the case, prompting the need for a specialized probe by the crime branch.
Allegations of Threats and Extortion Tactics
According to the ongoing crime branch investigation, the trio allegedly employed severe intimidation tactics against the college principal. They threatened to register a case against him under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, a serious allegation that carries severe legal consequences. Furthermore, they claimed they would arrest him in connection with this fabricated case.
Subsequently, the police personnel extorted Rs 7 lakh from the principal after promising not to take any action against him. This extortion followed their threats, creating a climate of fear and coercion that led to the financial exploitation.
How the Case Unfolded and Came to Light
The incident surfaced after the parents of a student approached Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar with their grievances. Police reports indicate that the student had initially approached the accused personnel seeking assistance for admission to the college. The trio allegedly accepted money from her under the assurance of securing admission but failed to fulfill their promise.
When the student persisted in her demands for resolution or refund, the accused allegedly instructed her to file a fabricated complaint against the college principal. Instead of formally registering this complaint, they utilized the application as a tool to threaten the principal and extract money from him.
Unaware of the extortion plot targeting the principal, the student continued to contact the police personnel, who eventually blocked her calls in an attempt to evade further communication. Ultimately, she informed her parents about the entire ordeal, prompting them to escalate the matter directly to the police commissioner, which led to the registration of the case.
Notable Background of the Accused
In a notable twist, the woman constable involved in this case is also recognized as a social media personality, boasting approximately 40,000 followers. She is known for actively posting reels and associating with members of the film industry, adding a layer of public visibility to the allegations against her.
This case underscores serious concerns about police integrity and the abuse of power, with authorities now focused on ensuring a comprehensive investigation to deliver justice and maintain public trust in law enforcement.
