Two police constables from Pune’s Yerawada Police Station have been suspended for attempting to extort money from a college student. The incident, which took place on April 24, 2025, has sparked widespread concern about police accountability and the safety of young citizens in the city.
According to official reports, the two constables, Dayanand Shivaji Kadam and Ashwin Ishwar Dethe, approached a college student who had stopped to chat with his female friend near a company road in Yerawada. Accusing the pair of indecent behavior inside their vehicle, the officers threatened to file a criminal case unless the student paid them ₹50,000. The student, who was in the area to visit a doctor, was left distressed by the threats and demands.
Feeling threatened and wronged, the student reported the matter to the Yerawada Police Station. Senior Inspector Ravindra Shelke initiated a preliminary investigation, which was soon escalated to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4), Himmat Jadhav. The internal inquiry found that the actions of the two constables were not only undisciplined and inappropriate but also damaging to the reputation of the police department.
Based on the findings, DCP Jadhav ordered the immediate suspension of both constables. The case has now been handed over to Senior Inspector Sarjerao Kumbhar of Lonikand Police Station for a thorough investigation. Pune City Commissioner of Police, Amitesh Kumar, has emphasized that such misconduct will not be tolerated and has promised strict action to restore public trust in law enforcement.
This is not an isolated case. Recent months have seen several incidents in Pune where students have been targeted for extortion, sometimes involving false accusations or planted evidence. These cases highlight a worrying trend and underscore the urgent need for police reforms and stronger oversight mechanisms.
The suspension of the two constables has been welcomed by citizens and student groups, but many are demanding more systemic changes. Experts suggest that regular training, transparent complaint mechanisms, and community policing initiatives are essential to prevent such abuses of power.