A family’s weekend excursion to Lonavala reportedly turned into a distressing situation when individuals posing as police officers stopped their vehicle on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. An FIR has been lodged against the alleged highway traffic police, following the account of a 28-year-old tourist. He stated that he, along with his friend, the friend’s spouse, and other relatives, were reportedly abducted and extorted during their journey to the hill station.

The complaint details that the incident occurred on Monday afternoon shortly after the family passed the Urse toll plaza. The tourists were allegedly pursued by a vehicle equipped with red and blue sirens, which forced them to halt their car on the expressway.

Upon stopping, five or six men, who purportedly identified themselves as highway traffic police, arrived with three others from a separate vehicle. The group allegedly accused the family of drug possession and threatened them with immediate arrest if they did not comply with their demands.

Allegations of Threats and Extortion

The complainant narrated that during their interaction, one of the alleged officers removed a cigarette packet from a passenger’s pocket, took a photograph, and utilised it as leverage, claiming that it would lead to legal repercussions. The tourists were purportedly informed they would face severe charges related to drugs, escalating the tension of the encounter.

Following the threats, the family was allegedly directed towards Talegaon instead of being permitted to resume their travel. During this time, the accused reportedly demanded Rs 5 lakh to “resolve” the matter and avoid any criminal proceedings against them.

The harassment concluded only when the victims attempted to contact the police, prompting the alleged impersonators to flee the scene without taking any money. The family’s fears for their safety and desire to seek help evidently deterred the extortion attempt.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

The Kamshet Police have officially registered an FIR based on the tourist’s complaint and have initiated an investigation into these serious allegations. As of now, authorities have not responded to the claims against the supposed highway traffic personnel, nor have they clarified if the suspects were legitimate police officers or impersonators.

This incident raises significant concerns regarding the safety of motorists on one of Maharashtra’s most frequented expressways. The use of police impersonation to intimidate travellers further underscores the urgent need for scrutiny and stronger protections for individuals on the road.

The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the facts surrounding this alarming case and ensure accountability for those involved. Authorities face pressure to address these issues and restore confidence in the safety of law enforcement and road travel in the region.

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