Police informer promises tip-off on arms dealer, dupes constable

The police have arrested a purported police informant for duping a police constable of Rs 2,000 for a lead on an arms dealer. The accused called a deputy commissioner of police (DCP), claiming to have information that could bring the dealer in police net. The DCP asked a constable to coordinate with the ‘informant’, who, in turn, induced him to pay for the tipoff.

The police said the man, identified as Jogeshwari resident Khalilullah Khan alias Wasim, has similar offences registered against him in Pune and Porbandar.

The complainant in the case is constable JR Uthale, posted at the DCP Zone 1 office at the Mira-BhayandarVasai-Virar (MBVV) police commissionerate. As per Uthale, on October 29 last year, he received a call from the DCP informing about a phone call from a person, who identified himself only as Wasim from Koparkhairane. The DCP then asked Uthale to coordinate with Wasim, giving him his mobile number. Uthale then contacted Wasim, who said he had information about a person who illegally wanted to sell a pistol. Wasim assured that he would get the suspect to Mira Road area, the FIR stated.

A police officer said that Wasim first demanded Rs 2,000 from Uthale, which was split into online payments of Rs 1,500 and Rs 500. Uthale promised to bring the suspect the next day. On February 2, Wasim called Uthale asking for an additional Rs 5,000. Uthale, however, told Wasim that he would ensure bigger rewards from seniors once the work is done. Wasim then started hurling abuses at Uthale, who informed his seniors and got a criminal offence registered.