In Pune, three police personnel including influencer-cop Sonali Hinge, PSI Ajit Bade and constable Sudam Tayade have been booked for allegedly extorting ₹7 lakh from a 55-year-old polytechnic college principal by threatening to implicate him in a false POCSO case.
Investigators allege the trio coerced a minor into filing a fabricated complaint and used it to intimidate the principal, who paid the amount fearing arrest and reputational damage. The case surfaced after the principal approached senior officials, prompting an inquiry ordered by the police commissioner and the registration of an FIR. The Crime Branch is currently probing the matter and no arrests have been officially confirmed so far.
Alleged Extortion Plot and Abuse of Authority
Officials state that the incident dates back to mid-2025, when the accused allegedly visited the institution under official pretexts before targeting the principal. According to the complaint, a minor student was manipulated into filing a false allegation of sexual misconduct, which was then used as leverage.
The accused allegedly threatened the principal with arrest under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, warning of severe legal consequences and public defamation. A senior officer associated with the probe noted that the allegations point to a coordinated misuse of authority, adding that financial transactions and digital communication records are being examined as part of the investigation.
How the Complaint Triggered the Probe
Police officials say the principal initially complied with the demand due to fear of legal repercussions and social stigma, eventually paying ₹7 lakh. However, inconsistencies in the complaint and the conduct of the officers reportedly raised suspicion, leading him to approach higher authorities.
A preliminary inquiry indicated that the student may have been pressured into filing the complaint, following which a formal case was registered under relevant provisions of the law, including extortion and criminal intimidation. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and departmental action could follow depending on the findings of the probe.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Allegations of extortion by law enforcement officials strike at the core of public trust in institutions meant to deliver justice. While due process must be followed and all sides heard, such cases if proven underscore the urgent need for stronger accountability mechanisms and ethical policing practices. Misuse of stringent laws not only harms the accused but also risks undermining the credibility of legal protections designed for vulnerable groups.
Building a system rooted in transparency, empathy and responsibility is essential to restoring faith in public institutions. How can accountability within law enforcement be strengthened while ensuring laws meant to protect are not misused?
A major controversy has erupted in Pune Police after a woman school principal alleged that she was blackmailed and forced to pay ₹7 lakh. According to police, the accused threatened her with arrest under the POCSO Act and used that fear to extort money from her.
— Pune Mirror (@ThePuneMirror) April 9, 2026
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