Pune Cop And ‘Reel Star’ Sonali Hinge, Two Others Accused Of Extorting Principal
Pune Cop And ‘Reel Star’ Sonali Hinge, Two Others Accused Of Extorting Principal
Pune, April 9, 2026: The Pune police department is rocked by a shocking extortion case involving three of its own officers, including popular social media personality and “reel star” cop Sonali Hinge. The three allegedly threatened a female school principal with a false POCSO charge and extorted ₹7 lakh from her.
Police sources revealed that the accused Assistant Sub-Inspector Ajit Bade, constable Sudam Tayde, and Sonali Hinge colluded to intimidate the principal. They allegedly warned her, “A serious POCSO case will be filed against you, and you will be arrested,” prompting her to pay money in installments to avoid legal action.
Investigators noted that the accused leveraged Hinge’s social media influence to gain the principal’s trust and ensure compliance. The extortion was carried out gradually, with the victim ultimately paying a total of ₹7 lakh. Ajit Bade is currently posted at the Cyber Police Station, while Hinge and Tayde are attached to the Damini Squad at Shivajinagar Police Station.
The incident caused an uproar within the Pune police, given Hinge’s public following and reputation. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has taken serious notice of the case, stating that extortionists within the force will not be tolerated. A formal complaint has been filed at the Bund Garden Police Station, and strict action against the three officers has been ordered.
This scandal has raised serious questions about accountability and ethics within the Pune police force, especially concerning officers who hold public influence both online and offline.
