In a swift action, Powai police arrested 31-year-old Ramesh Salunke for attempting to extort money from a wine shop owner by impersonating a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officer. Salunke, a driver from Kandivali East, allegedly used a forged FDA identity card to deceive the shop owner, Kiran Patel.
The incident occurred on February 15, when Salunke entered Patel’s store in Tunga Village, posing as an FDA food inspector. He demanded to see the store’s license, which led to suspicions from Patel’s acquaintances, BMC marshals Samsher Yadav and Bhaven Bhasin, who were present. After questioning Salunke and his inability to provide convincing answers, they apprehended him before he could flee. Patel, along with the marshals, handed him over to the police.
Upon further questioning, Salunke admitted he was not an FDA officer and had intended to extort money. The police are investigating if he has been involved in other similar scams, and his background is currently being verified.
A case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including impersonation and forgery. Further investigation is ongoing.
