Pune: Two constables from the Vimantal Police Station have been suspended for extorting ₹14,000 from a bed sheet vendor and keeping a portion of his goods.
The constables, identified as Sunil Bhagwan Kusalkar and Sanjay Mahadev Asawale, were suspended by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Himmat Jadhav for their actions on September 17 in Viman Nagar.
The incident came to light when Amol Nikhalje, founder of the Vanchit Bahujan Samaj, filed a formal complaint on behalf of the vendor, Althamesh, and his associates, who were selling bed sheets at Datt Mandir Chowk in Viman Nagar.
According to the complaint, at approximately 2 p.m., the two police constables approached the group of street vendors and demanded a bribe to allow them to continue selling in the area.
When the vendors did not immediately comply, the constables confiscated 60 bed sheets and loaded them into their police vehicle.
Following this, the constables reportedly extorted ₹14,000 from the vendors under the pretense of a "fee" for selling in the area. Although they later returned 37 of the confiscated bed sheets, the two officers kept 23 bed sheets for themselves.
Nikhalje promptly reported the incident to Senior Police Inspector Ajay Sankeshwari of the Airport Police Station on September 18. Inspector Sarjerao Kumbhar reviewed CCTV footage from the area and took statements from all involved parties.
Despite the evidence, no action was taken immediately by the police station authorities. Frustrated by the lack of response, Nikhalje issued a warning that he would initiate a protest on September 30 if the officers involved were not held accountable.
Deputy Commissioner Himmat Jadhav stated that the officers’ actions constituted a serious violation of police discipline and brought dishonor to the department.
He emphasized that such misconduct would not be tolerated in the force, and further investigations would be conducted to ensure accountability.