PANAJI
Two patrolling constables have been suspended on allegations of extorting money from a couple and harassing one of them through multiple phone calls.
An inquiry, which lasted for over a month, led to the decision to suspend constables Rupesh Malusure and Dharmendra Wadkar who now also face a departmental enquiry.
In March, the two constables who were on late-night patrolling duty in Miramar intercepted the couple, who were allegedly found in the isolated area. They were issued warnings of police action or to pay an amount of Rs 5,000 approx to let them go free. The amount was later negotiated and paid after which the couple was asked to leave.
The cops also obtained the woman's mobile number and proceeded to harass her with multiple calls since then. Disturbed by the continuous harassment, the woman decided to file an official complaint against the constables, with the Superintendent of Police (North), Nidhin Valsan. An inquiry was conducted wherein the victims' statement was recorded and some evidence about the extortion and calls were traced.
During this preliminary inquiry, the constables were transferred to reserve duty. With the report confirming their involvement in the case, the SP ordered suspending them and initiating a departmental enquiry.
