Pune, 2 June : The recent arrest of Snehal Kamble by the Loni Kalbhor police has uncovered a racket involving individuals posing as lawyers and police officers, who exploit vulnerable people by promising quick resolutions to their legal problems in exchange for money. This fraudulent activity has been reported in areas like Loni Kalbhor, Kondhwa, and Hadapsar.

FIR Filed Against Serial Offender Snehal Kamble
An FIR has been registered at Loni Kalbhor police station against Kamble, who falsely claimed to be a lawyer and deceived people visiting police stations by offering legal support and quick case resolutions. Notably, this is the third FIR registered against her.

Syndicate Operating in Multiple Areas
Investigations have revealed that Kamble is part of a larger network of men and women pretending to be legal and law enforcement authorities to scam people. Police suspect a well-organized syndicate is operating across multiple regions and have begun a deeper investigation into the matter.

Their Modus Operandi
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Circle 5) Dr Rajkumar Shinde said the fraudsters typically belong to a specific community and wait outside police stations to approach victims after FIRs are filed. They promise quick legal solutions in return for hefty fees. If a victim attempts to report them, they are allegedly threatened with false cases under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Kamble’s operation came to light when she was caught red-handed accepting extortion money by the Loni Kalbhor police team led by Senior Inspector Rajendra Panhale. After her arrest, more victims stepped forward with similar complaints.

“These fraudsters remain active near police stations, preying on vulnerable individuals after FIRs are filed. They promise case resolution while extracting money under false pretences. When victims attempt to take action against them, they are threatened with fabricated cases. Snehal Kamble was caught in the act by Loni Kalbhor police, leading to more people stepping forward with complaints,” said Shinde.

Third Fraud Case Registered
This is the third case registered against Kamble, who allegedly posed as a lawyer to dupe victims. She is accused of defrauding 65-year-old Sujata Ashok Gaikwad from Lohia Nagar by promising to facilitate her son’s divorce and taking Rs. 5.3 lakh under that pretext. Police Sub-Inspector Puja Mali is leading the investigation.

Sting Operation Uncovers Deceit
Earlier, Kamble had deceived farmer Kadu Baburao Satpute from Ahilyanagar, extracting Rs. 5.5 lakh. Initially, she promised help in securing a divorce for his son, then falsely claimed that the daughter-in-law had filed a rape case and a complaint with the women’s commission. She demanded money to “settle” the matter.

Satpute approached Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and DCP Dr Shinde, leading the Loni Kalbhor police, under Senior Inspector Panhale, to organize a sting operation. Kamble was apprehended in the act while accepting money from Satpute.

More Evidence and Victims Surface
A search of Kamble’s residence revealed multiple FIR copies, complaint forms, property documents, and other suspicious papers, suggesting that several more people may have been defrauded. Following police appeals, two more cases were registered against her.

In another instance, Kamble allegedly took Rs. 1.3 lakh from Manda Landge after promising to help reunite her daughter with her children. Kamble is currently in police custody.

More Victims Expected to Come Forward
Although Kamble lacks any formal legal background, investigators believe she has conned many individuals by posing as a legal professional. She reportedly targeted people involved in divorce, theft, and rape cases, instilling fear of arrest and citing police connections to extort money. Senior Inspector Panhale confirmed these tactics during preliminary investigations.

“A racket involving individuals pretending to be lawyers or police officers is reportedly active in Kondhwa, Hadapsar, and Loni Kalbhor. The police are keeping a close watch on those involved. Kamble’s case is just one example; authorities suspect more such instances will come to light,” said Shinde.

Dr Rajkumar Shinde, DCP (Circle 5):
“These fraudsters remain active near police stations, preying on vulnerable individuals after FIRs are filed. They promise resolution of cases while extracting money under false pretences. When victims attempt to take action against them, they are threatened with fabricated cases.”