Nagpur: An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) has been suspended following allegations of extorting money from a methaqualone (MD) dealer. Police Commissioner Ravindra Kumar Singal took swift action after receiving complaints about the ASI’s involvement in illegal collection practices.
The suspended officer, identified as Siddharth Patil, was previously assigned to the Anti-Narcotics Cell of the Crime Branch but is currently stationed at the police headquarters. This development has caused significant unrest within the Crime Branch and the wider police department.
On August 20, the Anti-Narcotics Cell, acting on confidential information, arrested three individuals—Kapil Gangadhar Khobragade (40), Rakesh Anantrao Giri (31), and Akshay Bandu Wanjari (25)—in Rajendranagar slum with MD valued at approximately ₹90 lakh. Several others, including Maksood Aminuddin Malik, Sohail from Sarangpur, Golu Borkar, Akshay Bobde, and Allarakha, remain at large.
The investigation revealed financial transactions between Akshay Wanjari and Golu Borkar related to the MD trade.
In a twist, ASI Siddharth Patil allegedly contacted Golu to negotiate a bribe to avoid arrest. Initially demanding ₹1 lakh, the amount was later settled at ₹70,000. Golu’s mother filed a complaint with the Police Commissioner regarding the extortion.
Following this, the Commissioner directed DCP Rahul Maknikar to investigate. Evidence confirmed the financial exchange between Golu and Siddharth. By this time, Siddharth had been transferred to the police headquarters. On Wednesday, the Commissioner not only suspended him but also ordered a departmental inquiry. Reports suggest Siddharth may have attempted to exert political pressure to evade repercussions.
