Pune, 23 August 2025: In a startling revelation, a serving policeman from Swargate police station has been found involved in the sale of ganja. Following an internal inquiry, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2) Milind Mohite ordered his suspension. The constable has been identified as Navanath Kantaram Shinde.
The case unfolded when the Crime Branch’s Unit 5, led by Inspector Sanjay Patange, conducted a raid in Padmavati. During the operation, police arrested Pratik Antwan Pawar and seized 5.26 kg of ganja.
Pawar’s questioning revealed that he had received the contraband from Saurabh Kattimani alias Patil, Sagar Chavan alias Dagabhai, and Abhijit Sawant, who were supplying drugs to him and his associate Sandeep alias Sandy Ghote. A case was registered at Sahakarnagar police station.
As the investigation progressed, Shinde’s name surfaced. Analysis of Pawar’s mobile phone showed his number and contacts linking him to the drug network. Evidence suggested that while posted at Swargate police station, Shinde supported illegal activities in Sahakarnagar and Padmavati areas.
Authorities said his conduct was unbecoming of a police officer and damaged the reputation of the force. Based on the findings, DCP Mohite issued suspension orders against Shinde.
