Four police constables from the Dharavi police station were suspended on Thursday following the circulation of a video that allegedly shows them accepting bribes from hawkers. The constables, who were assigned to patrol vehicles as beat marshals, were tasked with cracking down on illegal roadside eateries and food stalls. However, the video reveals that they were instead collecting money from the sellers.
In the viral footage, the constables are seen seated in their patrol vehicles, accepting cash from hawkers and stall owners. The sellers are visibly handing over the money, and the officers are seen taking it without any hesitation.
The accused constables have been identified as Mahendra Pujari, Kashinath Gajare, Gangadhar Kharat, and Appasaheb Wakchoure. Senior Mumbai Police officials launched an inquiry after the video went viral. Due to the poor quality of the video, the faces of the officers were not immediately recognizable, but direct questioning of the hawkers helped identify the accused. Upon interrogation, the constables admitted to accepting the bribes.
Following the inquiry, the officers were suspended by Ganesh Gawade, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Zone V. The constables have acknowledged their suspension, and the police have confirmed that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken.
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