Pune Police Suspend PRO for Allegedly Influencing Investigations and Misusing Authority
Pune Police Suspend PRO for Allegedly Influencing Investigations and Misusing Authority
Pune, December 24, 2025: The Pune Police Commissionerate has suspended its public relations officer for allegedly misusing his official position to interfere in criminal investigations and application-related inquiries across various police stations.
The suspended officer has been identified as Assistant Police Sub-Inspector (ASI) Pravin Vitthal Ghadge, who was attached to the Bharosa Cell and was also handling additional responsibilities as the police PRO. The action followed an internal inquiry that found him guilty of acting beyond his mandate and attempting to exert pressure on investigating officers.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nikhil Pingale stated that Ghadge allegedly took advantage of his proximity to Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar to influence senior police inspectors and investigating officers through phone calls. During these interactions, he is said to have conveyed the impression that he was acting on the directions of the police commissioner.
According to the findings of the inquiry, Ghadge allegedly informed officers that certain applications required action as per instructions from the police commissioner, even though no such directions had been issued. Police officials said he misused his designation as PRO to intervene in ongoing investigations without keeping senior authorities informed.
Following complaints, an inquiry was conducted by an assistant commissioner of police. The probe concluded that Ghadge had unnecessarily interfered in investigations and inquiries, exerted undue influence on officers, and behaved in a manner inconsistent with the conduct expected of a police official.
The inquiry report noted that such actions amounted to dereliction of duty and indiscipline, and had the potential to obstruct lawful police action against accused persons. It also observed that the officer’s conduct risked damaging the credibility and public image of the police force.
Based on the inquiry findings, DCP (Crime) Nikhil Pingale ordered the suspension of ASI Ghadge with immediate effect.
