Pune: A woman posing as an IAS officer, complete with a fake WhatsApp display picture featuring the Indian emblem and IAS logo, has been arrested by Loni Kalbhor police for usury and issuing threats.

The arrested woman has been identified as Renuka Ishwar Karnure (age 32, resident of Siddhivinayak Society, Wadki). A 31-year-old woman from Wadki filed a complaint against her at Loni Kalbhor police station.

According to the police, the complainant runs a home business and had approached Renuka Karnure for financial help. Renuka claimed to be an IAS officer.

Needing money, the complainant initially borrowed ₹60,000 at 5% interest per month and later took a total of ₹2.68 lakh, agreeing to pay 10% monthly interest. So far, the complainant has paid ₹3,48,650 in interest online and in cash.

Despite repaying ₹8,08,650 for a loan of ₹2.68 lakh, Renuka demanded an additional ₹4,55,598, threatening the complainant's life if the money was not paid.

She sent frequent WhatsApp messages demanding money and imposing a daily fine of ₹200 if interest payments were delayed, collecting ₹6,000 per month in penalties.

Renuka boasted of being an IAS officer and used the IAS and Indian emblem on her WhatsApp DP. When the complainant failed to pay, Renuka forcibly seized her husband's car, only returning it after receiving ₹2.5 lakh.

On July 25, Renuka visited the complainant's home, demanding interest payments and threatening to use her alleged IAS position to manipulate the system and cause a fatal accident involving the complainant's truck driver husband. Terrified, the complainant approached the police.

Loni Kalbhor police promptly registered a case and arrested Renuka Karnure, exposing her fraud. Police Sub-Inspector Amol Ghodke is investigating whether she has lent money to others at usurious rates.