the goan I network
MAPUSA
The alleged accused, constable Suraj Pendse, was held on charges of harassment and extortion.
According to the complainant, the alleged accused spotted her 17-year-old son and his girlfriend, who were sitting near the Madti chapel in Siolim on January 11.
“He first identified himself as police and told them that they were not supposed to sit at the spot. He then threatened them to either cough up money or he would take them to the police station,” the complainant said.
Since her son did not have enough money at that particular time, he gave away his gold chain to the accused cop.
The cop left the place but not before taking the boy’s cell number.
Having succeeded in instilling fear in the minor couple, the cop used his status to milk them for more money.
For almost three months, the cop managed to collect gold ornaments and cash from the couple to the tune of Rs 2.35 lakh.
Finally, the boy confided with his family members and on Wednesday his mother filed a complaint with Mapusa Police.
Police swung into action and arrested the accused constable late in the evening under Section 389 of the IPC and Section 8 of Children’s Protection Act. According to police sources, the constable was attached to Vasco SDPO office but was not reporting to work for quite some time now. PSI, Amit Taral is investigating the case further.
