Patankar drug bust: 2 arrested cops also facing inquiry in extortion case

Sub-inspector Sudhakar K Sarang of Mumbai’s anti-narcotic cell (ANC) and head constable Yeshwant Parate from the special branch-1, who were arrested on Friday in the Shashikala Patankar drug bust, are already facing an internal preliminary inquiry for alleged dereliction of duty.

Sub-inspector Sudhakar K Sarang of Mumbai’s anti-narcotic cell (ANC) and head constable Yeshwant Parate from the special branch-1, who were arrested on Friday in the Shashikala Patankar drug bust, are already facing an internal preliminary inquiry for alleged dereliction of duty.

According to sources in the crime branch, a deputy commissioner of police (DCP)-rank officer is carrying out the inquiry.

Sarang, who had joined the force as a constable, was recently transferred to the Azad Maidan ANC from Kandivli. Parate had also worked with the ANC earlier.

Sources said Sarang and Parate — and at least two other constables from Kandivli ANC — were allegedly trying to extort money from a foreign national.

According to police sources, Parate was in a relationship with a drug peddler.

The duo would allegedly catch other peddlers after Patankar would tip them off and then sell the seized drug to her.

Constables Jadhav and Sonavane (first names not available) from the Kandivli unit, who were allegedly involved in the extortion case, were also transferred with Sarang to the Azad Maidan ANC unit, an ANC officer said, on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media. On April 28, Hindustan Times was the first to expose the involvement of four cops in the Patankar drug case.

“If the policemen are found guilty, they will face a departmental inquiry or direct action, depending upon the findings,” said a senior IPS officer on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media.