Pune: Police Sub-Inspector Pramod Chintamani Dismissed Over Bribery and Fraud Allegations
Pune: In a significant development, Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Pramod Chintamani from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate (PCPC) has been dismissed from service due to serious allegations of bribery and fraud. The decision was announced on Sunday after a thorough investigation by senior police officials.
The case began on 2nd November when the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials caught PSI Chintamani red-handed accepting a bribe of ₹46.5 lakh in Pune. The amount was reportedly the first installment of a much larger ₹2 crore bribe he had demanded from a lawyer. According to ACB officials, Chintamani had promised to handle the lawyer's case favorably and secure bail for the lawyer and his client. Initially, the demand was ₹2 lakh, but after learning about the accused's financial status, Chintamani increased the demand to ₹2 crore, with ₹1 crore for himself and ₹1 crore for a senior officer.
Following his arrest, a search of Chintamani’s residence in Bhosari led to the seizure of ₹51 lakh in cash, along with valuable assets and property documents. A departmental inquiry was initiated by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police officials after Chintamani was remanded to police custody for 13 days and subsequently to judicial custody.
On 12th November, another case was registered against Chintamani at the Bhosari Police Station. Santosh Barkrishna Tarate, a 43-year-old resident of Rahatani, accused Chintamani, along with auto rickshaw driver Goraksh Med from Sangvi and real estate agent Sandeep Ahir from Bhosari, of cheating and forgery. They were booked under various sections of the Bombay Police Act, including criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention.
Tarate alleged that Chintamani had promised to double his investment within 20 months. Believing the promise, Tarate invested ₹18 lakh in 2023, expecting ₹36 lakh in return. However, Chintamani only repaid ₹15.40 lakh, leaving a balance of ₹20.60 lakh unpaid. Further investigation revealed that Chintamani had taken deposits from several other individuals, ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹40 lakh, amounting to a total of ₹93 lakh. Witnesses stated that he lured investors with promises of doubled returns or a 4% profit, indicating a broader pattern of fraud. Police believe more victims may come forward, potentially increasing the total amount involved.
Sources within the police department also revealed that Chintamani had been involved in serious matters in the past. One notable incident involved a woman who had complained to the Wakad Police Station, alleging that Chintamani had taken sexual favors from her in exchange for certain promises. However, the woman later withdrew her complaint and did not press further charges.
On 3rd November, Chintamani was suspended by senior officials of the PCPC, and a departmental inquiry was ordered. On Thursday, under Article 311(2)(b) of the Indian Constitution, Chintamani was dismissed from service by Pimpri-Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey. This provision allows for the dismissal of a government employee without a departmental inquiry if the competent authority deems it impractical due to the threat to the integrity of the department or the unlikelihood of witness cooperation.
Confirming the action, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Dr. Shivaji Pawar stated, “The decision was taken under Article 311(2)(b) of the Indian Constitution. He was dismissed on 4th December. An official letter of his dismissal was given to him on 6th December. Further action will be taken on the offenses registered against him as the investigation progresses.”
