A police constable serving with the Navi Mumbai crime branch has been suspended from duty following the circulation of a controversial video on social media. The footage allegedly shows the officer partying and spending money lavishly on dancers at a ladies bar in Koparkhairane.
Disciplinary Action for Disreputable Conduct
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sachin Gunjal took decisive action on Friday, ordering the suspension of Constable Anil Mandole. The 50-year-old officer was attached to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. DCP Gunjal stated that Mandole was suspended for dereliction of duty and irresponsible behaviour, actions which brought disrepute to the entire police department.
Old Video Triggers Fresh Inquiry
According to police officials, the viral video clip is not recent. It is believed to be approximately five to six months old. However, since it surfaced publicly only recently, the department initiated prompt disciplinary measures. A preliminary enquiry has been launched against Constable Mandole, which will be followed by a full-fledged departmental enquiry. The suspension marks the first formal step in this process.
A Repeat Incident at the Same Venue
This is not the first time a police officer has faced suspension for misconduct linked to the same ladies bar in Koparkhairane. In a strikingly similar case from March last year, Constable Audumbar Jadhav was also suspended. At the time, Jadhav was attached to the Mora Coastal police station.
His suspension came after a viral video showed him partying with an individual alleged to be an accused under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Furthermore, the video evidence indicated that the bar was operating beyond its legally permitted hours, and Constable Jadhav was present during that time. That earlier action was taken by then DCP (Zone-2) Prashant Mohite, who now holds the position of DCP (Zone-3).
The back-to-back incidents involving personnel from the same police force at the same establishment have raised serious questions about conduct and discipline. The department's swift suspension orders demonstrate a clear intent to address behaviour that tarnishes its public image, regardless of when the incident originally occurred.
