Pune Eatery Owner Targeted by Fake Police Gang
In a shocking case of impersonation and extortion, five men including a local journalist were arrested by Pune police on Saturday for allegedly posing as crime branch officers and extorting Rs45,000 from a 25-year-old eatery owner. The Mahalunge MIDC police took swift action against the accused under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The November 19 Incident
According to Police Sub-Inspector S R Jaybhaye of Mahalunge MIDC police, the dramatic events unfolded on November 19 when the five-member gang arrived at the complainant's eatery in a sports utility vehicle. Posing as policemen from the crime branch, they immediately took control of the situation by pulling down the shutter of the establishment.
The accused then began abusing the young restaurant owner and forcibly ejected all customers from the premises. In a particularly intimidating move, they photographed the customers and threatened to take them into police custody, creating an atmosphere of fear and compliance.
Extortion Demands and Cash Withdrawal
The gang escalated their threats by accusing the owner of operating his eatery illegally and demanding a staggering Rs2 lakh to avoid legal action. When the owner protested his inability to pay such a large amount, the criminals settled for what they could immediately extract.
One of the accused accompanied the frightened restaurant owner to a nearby cash dispensing machine where he was forced to withdraw Rs45,000 under duress. After successfully obtaining the money, the gang quickly fled the scene in their SUV, leaving the traumatized business owner to contemplate his next move.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
The case took a decisive turn when the Mahalunge MIDC police arrested all five accused on Saturday after they returned to the same eatery to threaten the owner again. This bold return to the crime scene proved to be their undoing as police were able to apprehend them red-handed.
Police officials confirmed they are investigating whether this gang has targeted other business owners in similar extortion schemes. The case has been registered under sections 308 (extortion), 204 (personating a public servant), and 333 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault, or wrongful restraint) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reflecting the serious nature of the crimes committed.
The arrest highlights growing concerns about criminals impersonating law enforcement officials to target small business owners across Pune. Authorities have urged other potential victims to come forward as the investigation continues to unfold.
