3 Pune cops lose 2-year increments for turning probe into sightseeing trip

Three Pune police personnel have been penalised with the withholding of two annual salary increments after a departmental inquiry found they neglected a domestic violence investigation and went sightseeing in Satara instead.Three Pune police personnel have been penalised with the withholding of two annual salary increments after a departmental inquiry Three police personnel in Pune have been penalised for allegedly neglecting an investigation into a domestic violence case and instead spending time sightseeing in Satara district. Additional Commissioner of Police Rajesh Bansode ordered the withholding of their annual salary increments for two years after a departmental inquiry found them guilty of negligence and misconduct.The action has been taken against woman police sub-inspector Swarupa Naikwade, police constable Shrihari Patil and woman police constable Komal Kamble.According to the departmental inquiry, Naikwade was investigating a domestic violence case registered. On April 4, the three police personnel travelled to Satara along with the complainant as part of the investigation. Under procedure, they were required to seek assistance from the local police, inspect the spot and record statements of relevant witnesses.However, the inquiry found that the team failed to conduct a proper investigation. Instead, they allegedly spent time at a popular roadside eatery before reaching the police station. Even after visiting the scene, they did not question local residents or collect evidence. The officers then reportedly visited tourist destinations, including Kaas Plateau, instead of completing the investigation. The complainant repeatedly informed the officers that her mother was unwell and requested that they return to Pune at the earliest. However, the inquiry found that the officers ignored her requests. It further said that the three personnel later visited the residence of a woman police employee for a meal before returning to Pune late at night.After reaching Pune at around 1 am, the officers allegedly did not ensure that the complainant reached home safely. Instead, they first attempted to leave her at Swargate. After she objected, they reportedly left her alone at the Narayan Peth police station.. Following the woman's complaint, the departmental inquiry concluded that the three police personnel had acted negligently and displayed serious indiscipline. In his order, Additional Commissioner of Police Rajesh Bansode observed that instead of carrying out a thorough investigation, the officers treated the official visit as a sightseeing trip, undermining the complainant's pursuit of justice and tarnishing the image of the police department.As punishment, the authorities have withheld the annual salary increments of all three personnel for two years.- EndsPublished By: Akshat TrivediPublished On: Jul 30, 2026 22:09 IST