Pune Woman Arrested for Impersonating Police Officer to Secure Doctor's Appointment
Incident Overview
File image of the accused impersonator, Samina Inamdar (Photo: IANS)
Pune, June 9: A 25-year-old woman from Pune has been taken into custody for allegedly posing as a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) in an attempt to expedite her appointment at a skin clinic, as reported by officials on Tuesday.
She faces charges under Sections 204 and 205 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
According to law enforcement, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mahesh Shinde, who is stationed at Lashkar Police Station, visited Dr. Ashfaq Sayed's Sanjeevan Skin Clinic in Pune's Camp area around 10 a.m. on June 6 for personal medical care.
While at the clinic, he spotted a young woman dressed in khaki trousers and a police-style jacket.
Shortly thereafter, she removed her jacket and approached the reception to register for treatment. ASI Shinde noticed several inconsistencies in her uniform, including discrepancies in the insignia, nameplate, and other symbols.
Authorities noted that the lanyard, nameplate, and blue ribbon commemorating 75 years of India's Independence were improperly affixed. Additionally, she was carrying a police cap and a khaki baton, which raised further suspicions.
Questioning her about her assignment, ASI Shinde was told that she was attached to Baner Police Station and had come to the clinic after a night shift.
However, her responses seemed inconsistent, prompting Shinde to notify officials at Lashkar Police Station.
Following this, female officers Pooja Pund and Asra Bansode arrived at the clinic and took the woman to Lashkar Police Station for further interrogation.
During questioning, she was identified as Samina Asif Inamdar, also known as Samina Ayu Pathan, residing in Mhalunge, Pune. Police reported that Samina confessed to having long desired to become a police officer but had failed to pass the recruitment process.
Investigators revealed that she had tailored a police-style uniform and even taken photographs while wearing it. She allegedly admitted to visiting the clinic in uniform to receive priority treatment and an early appointment.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Bhajibhakare stated that the woman is employed by a private company.
He noted that her behavior at the clinic raised suspicions, and it was confirmed that she was not an active police officer despite her public appearance in a PSI uniform.
Bhajibhakare further mentioned that initial investigations indicated Samina had another police-style uniform made as well.
Authorities are currently investigating her background to determine if she used the uniform solely for preferential treatment or if there were additional motives behind her actions.
Investigators are also looking into whether she had previously impersonated a police officer at other locations or used the uniform for any undue benefits.
Further inquiries into the case are ongoing.