Pune Police Officer Punished for Criminal Ties: Salary Increment Withheld

• A Pune police constable faced severe disciplinary action for maintaining contact with a notorious criminal.
• Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishikesh Ravale ordered the withholding of the constable's salary increment for one year.
• The constable was found to have contacted criminal Praveen Rajendra Chavan eight times during October and November 2025, even while on medical leave.
• Praveen Chavan has multiple serious cases registered against him, including gambling and illegal weapons possession.
• This action is part of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar's 'Clean Police Force' campaign, warning against protecting criminals.

Key Questions Answered

What impact will this have on police-criminal nexus?

Allegations suggest a former SP in Bettiah, Bihar, may have inadvertently fostered a "kidnapping industry" by advising criminals to kidnap for ransom during a period of high dacoity.

Will more officers face similar disciplinary actions?

It is possible that more officers will face disciplinary actions, as indicated by recent events. In Tamil Nadu, a Sub-Inspector and a constable were suspended for demanding free sand.