Pune: Police Sub-Inspector Pramod Chintamani Dismissed for Bribery and Fraud

In a significant disciplinary move, Police Sub-Inspector Pramod Chintamani of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has been dismissed from service due to serious allegations of corruption and fraud. The action was approved by senior officials of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate (PCPC) on Thursday and formally communicated to Chintamani on Saturday.

The case dates back to November 2, when Chintamani was caught by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Pune while accepting a ₹46.5-lakh bribe from a lawyer. According to ACB officials, this was the first installment of a ₹2-crore bribe he had demanded in exchange for influencing a case in favor of the lawyer and his client. Chintamani allegedly assured the lawyer that he could secure bail and manipulate the investigation process.

Investigators revealed that Chintamani initially demanded ₹2 lakh but drastically increased the amount after learning about the complainant’s financial capacity. He reportedly asked for ₹1 crore for himself and ₹1 crore for a senior officer. Following his arrest, ACB officials searched Chintamani’s residence in Bhosari, where they seized ₹51 lakh in cash, property papers, and other valuables. He was subsequently remanded to 13 days of police custody, followed by judicial custody, pending departmental inquiry.

The arrest sent shockwaves through the police ranks, as Chintamani was attached to a sensitive economic crimes unit. His involvement in both a bribery case and a separate financial fraud raised serious questions about systemic oversight within the force.

While the bribery probe was ongoing, another complaint was filed on November 12 at Bhosari Police Station by Santosh Barkrishna Tarate (43), a resident of Rahatani. Tarate alleged that Chintamani and his associates had duped him of ₹18 lakh, promising to double the investment within 20 months. Tarate said he received only ₹15.4 lakh back, leaving ₹20.6 lakh unpaid. Subsequent investigation revealed that Chintamani had taken deposits from multiple investors, ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹40 lakh each — amounting to a total of ₹93 lakh.

The accused also include auto-rickshaw driver Goraksh Med (Sangvi) and real estate agent Sandeep Ahir (Bhosari). They have been booked under sections 316 (criminal breach of trust), 318 (cheating), 336 and 338 (forgery), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police believe more victims may come forward as the investigation progresses.

Sources within the department disclosed that PSI Chintamani was previously involved in other controversial incidents. In one instance, a woman had filed a complaint against him at Wakad Police Station, accusing him of seeking sexual favors in exchange for official help. The complaint was later withdrawn, reportedly under pressure. Officers said that despite several red flags and informal complaints over the years, Chintamani had continued to serve in important units. His case has reignited debate over internal accountability and disciplinary mechanisms within Maharashtra’s police ranks.

After his suspension on November 3, the Commissionerate initiated a departmental review. Following legal consultation, Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey ordered Chintamani’s dismissal under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India on December 4, citing threats to the department’s integrity. Article 311(2)(b) allows a government employee to be dismissed without a formal inquiry if the competent authority believes that such proceedings are not reasonably practicable — particularly in cases involving intimidation of witnesses or potential harm to institutional credibility.

Confirming the decision, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Dr Shivaji Pawar told The Free Press Journal, “He was earlier suspended and has now been dismissed under Article 311(2)(b). An official letter was handed to him on December 6. Further legal action will follow as investigations continue.”

Police officials said the case represents a severe breach of public trust, especially coming from an officer tasked with handling financial crimes. The decision to invoke Article 311(2)(b) was seen as a signal of zero tolerance towards corruption within the force. Senior officers also indicated that the department would now scrutinize Chintamani’s financial records, properties, and past postings to identify other possible irregularities. The ACB and Bhosari Police continue their parallel investigations, with sources suggesting that the total fraud amount could rise as more complainants emerge.