In a serious breach of police discipline, Constable Yuvraj Shantaram Patil from Panchavati Police Station has been suspended for maintaining contact with drug peddlers and cow smugglers. The action was taken by Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik after an internal report found Patil involved in criminal activities and misconduct.
Patil was found to be in contact with MD alias Pehal Asi, a drug smuggler from Gundra with a criminal case registered at Bhadrakali Police Station. He was also in touch with the accused in a cow smuggling case registered at Indiranagar and Bhakali Piliya police stations. Investigations revealed that he had made repeated phone calls to these accused individuals, especially during bail hearings, which is considered a violation of police conduct rules.
The constable's involvement has also been linked to a case registered in 2022 at Indiranagar Police Station under the NDPS Act, which includes serious sections like 8(a), 20(b), 22(c), and 29. He is among the key accused in this case, according to the suspension order.
The charges listed against him include:
Breach of confidentiality by contacting accused persons
Violation of the State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules
Failure to perform official duties
Acting against the dignity and discipline expected of a police officer
Following these findings, Commissioner Karnik issued a suspension order, transferring Patil to the Police Headquarters, where he is required to mark attendance twice a day during the suspension period. He will also be granted allowances as per government rules.
A detailed inquiry is underway, and strict action will be taken based on the investigation’s outcome. The case has raised serious questions about internal discipline and has prompted the police force to tighten checks on internal conduct.