Pune–Mumbai Expressway Extortion Scandal: Who is ‘Bade Saheb’?

Pimpri Chinchwad, 11th August 2025: Tension flared on the Pune–Mumbai Expressway on Monday afternoon after a traffic warden was allegedly caught demanding illegal payments from private bus operators.

According to eyewitnesses, the warden had been stopping several private travel buses and allegedly soliciting money from their drivers. The situation escalated when a group of commuters and locals confronted him over the alleged extortion, eventually turning violent. The warden was assaulted before police personnel arrived at the scene.

A traffic police constable stationed nearby intervened to control the crowd. During questioning, the warden reportedly admitted to collecting money from the operators on behalf of ‘Bade Sahab’ (senior officer).

Speaking about the incident, a senior official said, “We have taken note of the matter. A formal inquiry will be conducted, and appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken depending on the outcome of the investigation.”