Pune, 15 November 2025: Four police personnel from the crime branch’s Cops-24 patrol team were suspended after accused of threatening traders in the Vishrantwadi area. The incident took place on November 11 and came to light after local shopkeepers filed a complaint at Vishrantwadi Police Station.
The suspended personnel have been identified as Yogesh Mali, Mukesh Wale, Shankar Dhotre and Kailas Phupate. According to the complaint, the four officers had consumed alcohol while on duty and then created chaos in the area.
They allegedly abused some shopkeepers and warned them that no one could 'take action against the police' and that their businesses would be stopped if they demanded money.
Following the complaint, senior officers questioned the four at the police station the next day. Their responses were reportedly unsatisfactory. PSI Anil Padekar noted their behaviour in the station diary, and Senior Inspector Mangesh Hande forwarded a report highlighting negligence of duty.
Crime Branch Deputy Commissioner Nikhil Pingale conducted an inquiry, during which the misconduct was confirmed. The officers were placed under suspension immediately.
This is not the first time these personnel had shown indiscipline. They were previously warned for not reporting for duty regularly and failing to complete assigned tasks. Despite earlier instructions to improve their behaviour, the issues continued, prompting strict action by the department.