In a shocking incident, five individuals, including a police constable, were apprehended by authorities for allegedly looting cash amounting to Rs 4.30 lakh along with three gunny bags containing scented tobacco and gutkha from a vegetable supplier and his brother-in-law. The incident, which took place near the Nagpur (Rural) Police Headquarters, has sent shockwaves through the community.

The accused have been identified as Constable Sachin Dilip Meshram (35), residing at Nagpur (Rural) Police Headquarters, along with Sandeep Bhimrao Suradkar (40), Ritesh Mahadeorao Maske (35), Mangesh Latyarao Sawarkar (42), and Abhilash Santosh Namdeo (30), all hailing from various locations across Nagpur.

According to police reports, the victim, Hemraj Morbaji Nandanwar (44), a resident of Tandapeth, Ladpura, Swami Nagar, Pachpaoli, was involved in procuring fruits and vegetables from villages near Pandhura, Madhya Pradesh, and supplying them to wholesalers. Additionally, Nandanwar was allegedly involved in the illegal supply of flavoured tobacco and gutka, which he concealed within his truck and supplied to his brother-in-law, Tejas Suresh Bajirao.

The incident unfolded early on Monday morning when Nandanwar arrived at his brother-in-law's residence with a consignment of Rajshree gutka and Rimzim flavoured tobacco. Four of the accused, posing as policemen, confronted Nandanwar, threatening to implicate him in the illegal supply of contraband. Subsequently, they demanded Rs 3.5 lakh to avoid legal repercussions. In a swift turn of events, Constable Sachin Meshram snatched a bag containing Rs 4.30 lakh cash from Nandanwar's brother-in-law before fleeing the scene with the stolen cash and contraband.

Following Nandanwar's complaint, authorities swiftly launched an investigation, registering a case against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. During the investigation, police recovered Rs 1.19 lakh in cash and flavoured tobacco worth Rs 37,000 from the accused individuals.

The involvement of a police constable in the crime has raised serious concerns about the integrity and trustworthiness of law enforcement personnel. Authorities have assured the public of a thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served and such incidents are not repeated in the future.

As investigations continue, the apprehension of the accused marks a significant step towards upholding law and order in the region and restoring public confidence in the justice system. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in maintaining the integrity of law enforcement agencies.