High Court Hears Plea to Quash Extortion Charges Against Former Police Chief and Officials

Mumbai: Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey and several senior officials have approached the Bombay High Court to quash the extortion and criminal charges filed against them by businessman Sanjay Punamiya. The case stems from a dispute between two builders, Shyamsunder Agarwal and Punamiya, which has escalated into legal allegations against the officers involved.

Punamiya accused Pandey of criminal conspiracy, intimidation, forgery, and producing false evidence, based on incidents during the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. The allegations arose after Punamiya was arrested, and, following the shift to the BJP-backed Eknath Shinde government, Punamiya filed two FIRs. One was registered in Thane and names Pandey, while another in Colaba names Special Public Prosecutor Shekhar Jagtap and a ministry official.

Jagtap's defense argues that his actions as SPP were lawful, emphasizing his prior disclosure of his representation of Agarwal. They also argue there was no state loss. Punamiya’s lawyers introduced video evidence suggesting that, under the MVA government, police officials were allegedly instructed to target political figures, including BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde.

The Bombay High Court has raised questions about the invocation of cheating charges, specifically whether any financial loss occurred. While the Additional Public Prosecutor claims there was a loss, Jagtap’s defense counters with evidence of no personal gain or remuneration.

Conclusion:

As the hearing progresses, the Bombay High Court’s decision on these petitions could set a precedent for future cases where legal conflicts arise from political rivalries and the role of law enforcement officials in such matters. The court’s ruling may influence the handling of charges related to political influence and judicial accountability.

Important Points:

• Sanjay Pandey and officials seek to quash FIRs filed by businessman Sanjay Punamiya.

• Allegations stem from a dispute between builders Shyamsunder Agarwal and Punamiya.

• Charges include criminal conspiracy, extortion, and forgery.

• Special Public Prosecutor Shekhar Jagtap argues he acted within the law.

• Punamiya’s team presents video evidence suggesting political interference by MVA officials.

• The court is questioning the application of cheating charges and the loss to the state.