Navi Mumbai, 9th October 2024: Three constables from the Navi Mumbai police headquarters were suspended on Tuesday after an FIR was filed against them with the Nerul police for allegedly extorting money from a gas delivery man. The constables, identified as Swapnil Devare, Vishal Dakhne, and Sachin Borkar, were assigned to escort duty and were using a Black Scorpio vehicle designated for VIP escorts.

The incident reportedly occurred on August 5, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Thane for various project inaugurations. The accused, along with two others, were responsible for escorting VIPs travelling from Thane to Navi Mumbai. The incident took place around 2 PM near Uran Phata when Vikram Vasant Khot, a 34-year-old gas delivery worker from Dronagiri, was driving his tempo to deliver gas cylinders. The Scorpio overtook him and stopped in front of his vehicle, prompting the police officers to signal for him to pull over.

Once Khot was stopped, the three officers emerged from the vehicle and inquired about his driving license and vehicle documents. They claimed he lacked a passing certificate and PUC for his vehicle, stating he would face legal action and a potential fine of ₹25,000. When Khot expressed that he couldn’t afford the fine, the officers demanded he pay whatever he had. Khot handed over ₹1,500 in cash and was then instructed to transfer an additional ₹1,500 online. Afterwards, he reported the incident to his employer, who advised him to file a complaint with the police. Khot subsequently approached the Nerul police to register his case.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Pankaj Dahane confirmed that the Nerul police had filed a case and would investigate the matter, leading to a chargesheet as part of the standard procedure. In the meantime, Deputy Commissioner of Police Sanjay Patil suspended all five individuals involved, including the three named in the FIR. “Suspension orders have been issued, and an inquiry will be conducted,” DCP Patil stated.