Pune: Traffic Cops Collect Money for Challans in Personal Accounts, Face Suspension After Video Goes Viral
Pune, 21st April 2026: Two traffic police personnel from Pune City were suspended after they were found extorting money from motorists instead of issuing fines for traffic violations. The action was ordered by Deputy Commissioner of Police Himmat Jadhav after a video of the incident surfaced on social media.
The suspended personnel have been identified as police constable Ankush Rama Pawar and Laxman Balaji Ramgade. Both were posted with the Sahakarnagar traffic division.
According to police officials, the two were on traffic duty at Sharda Arcade Chowk on April 19 and were taking action against two-wheeler riders who had jumped the signal. During the operation, one of the motorists recorded the incident on a mobile phone and shared the video on social media stating that they were extorting money from violators.
Following this, senior officers took serious note of the matter and recorded statements of both personnel. The inquiry revealed that Pawar and Ramgade had collected Rs 500 from three motorists through online transfers into their personal bank accounts.
Instead of carrying out official penal action, the two allegedly accepted money directly into their own accounts. Holding them responsible for indiscipline, negligence and tarnishing the image of the police force, DCP Himmat Jadhav ordered their suspension.
