FIR against Pune cops over tourists' kidnap and Rs 5 lakh ransom bid

A weekend getaway to Lonavala allegedly turned into a terrifying ordeal for a family after men claiming to be highway traffic police intercepted their car on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, threatened to frame them in a drugs case and allegedly demanded Rs 5 lakh to let them go.

In a case that has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra, an FIR has been registered against highway traffic police personnel following the complaint of a 28-year-old tourist, who claimed he, his friend, the friend's wife and other relatives were abducted and extorted while travelling to the hill station.

According to the complaint, the incident unfolded on Monday afternoon soon after the family crossed the Urse toll plaza.

'YOU WILL GO TO JAIL'

The complainant alleged that a vehicle fitted with red and blue beacon lights suddenly overtook their car and forced them to stop on the expressway.

Moments later, five to six men, claiming to be highway traffic police personnel, along with three others who arrived in another vehicle, allegedly surrounded the family.

The group allegedly accused them of carrying drugs and ganja and warned that they would be arrested and sent to jail.

During the search, one of the accused allegedly removed a cigarette packet from a passenger's pocket, photographed it and used it to threaten legal action, the complaint said.

FAMILY ALLEGEDLY TAKEN TOWARDS TALEGAON

The complainant alleged that the family was then taken towards Talegaon instead of being allowed to continue their journey.

There, the accused allegedly demanded Rs 5 lakh to "settle" the case and avoid criminal action.

The ordeal ended only after the accused realised that the victims were attempting to contact the police. They allegedly fled the spot in their vehicles without taking the money.

FIR REGISTERED, PROBE UNDERWAY

Kamshet Police have registered an FIR based on the complaint and begun an investigation into the allegations.

Police are yet to respond to the accusations against the highway traffic personnel or clarify whether the suspects were genuine police officers or impersonators.

The case has raised serious questions about the safety of motorists on one of Maharashtra's busiest expressways and the alleged misuse of police identity to intimidate travellers.

- Ends

With inputs from Shrikrushna Jagannath Panchal.