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Three Pune Police Booked Over Rs 7 Lakh Extortion Using False POCSO Threat

A Crime Branch probe found the minor's complaint was coerced.

Overview

  • The Bundgarden police, which registered the case Thursday, named Sub-Inspector Ajit Bade and constables Sudam Tayade and Sonali Hinge as accused.
  • The FIR says the trio misled a minor into a false complaint between July 18 and 28, 2025 and then threatened the principal with arrest under the child-protection law to extract Rs 7 lakh.
  • The principal says he paid out of fear of arrest and public shaming, then approached senior officials, prompting Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar to order an inquiry.
  • Investigators say a Crime Branch inquiry found coercion and extortion, and no arrests have been reported as Inspector Ashwini Jagtap gathers evidence.
  • The officers were booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions linked to extortion, and one accused is a Damini squad influencer, a profile that could erode trust in police outreach units.