Pune Police Takes Action Against Constables for Alleged Extortion
In a significant development in Pune, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar announced on Wednesday that three constables stationed at the Wagholi police station have been suspended. An official inquiry has been initiated against them following allegations of misconduct involving a software engineer and his partner.
Details of the Incident
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday when residents of a society in Wagholi dialed the emergency number 112 to report noise disturbances. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone VII) Somay Munde, the software engineer and his female partner were inside a flat in the society and were creating a commotion.
Three constables, who were on night duty, responded to the call and arrived at the society. Instead of resolving the matter through proper channels, they allegedly took the software engineer to the police station. There, they demanded money from him in exchange for not filing a formal complaint. To intensify the pressure, they also summoned his partner to the police station.
Extortion and Financial Transaction
Under duress, the couple was forced to transfer Rs 10,000 to the QR code of a garage owner, as per the constables' instructions. This transaction was allegedly orchestrated by the officers to settle the matter informally, bypassing legal procedures.
Deputy Commissioner Munde stated, "The software engineer and his female partner were in a flat in a society in Wagholi and were making noises. Hearing this, society residents dialled 112. The three constables, who were on night duty, reached the society. They then took the software engineer to the police station and demanded money from him in exchange for not filing a complaint. To pressure him, they called his partner to the police station."
Inquiry and Suspension
Upon learning about the incident, senior police officers swiftly ordered a thorough inquiry into the actions of the constables. As a result, all three have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. This move underscores the police department's commitment to accountability and maintaining public trust.
Munde added, "Following this, the couple transferred Rs 10,000 to the garage owner. After coming to know of this, senior officers ordered an inquiry against them." The case highlights concerns over police misconduct and the importance of ethical behavior in law enforcement.
