A Pune-based IT professional has filed an FIR alleging an extortion campaign that resulted in a loss of ₹21 lakh, which was triggered after a society-level dispute involving stray dogs and a caste atrocity complaint.
Saurabh Ashokkumar Suman (38), a resident of I Trade Homes in Hinjewadi Phase 2, has claimed that a minor incident involving his son being attacked by stray dogs led him to file a legal case and that the resulting extortion crisis left his family distressed and financially exploited.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Suman had gone to Singapore on June 30, 2025, for work when the incident occurred. While playing in the society premises, his son was reportedly attacked by stray dogs and sustained minor injuries. Suman confronted fellow resident Ramesh Ahire on the society’s WhatsApp group, allegedly for preventing security from removing the dogs.
The next day, Suman was informed that Ahire had lodged a case against him at Hinjewadi Police Station under multiple sections of the IPC, including 352, 351(2), 356(2), and serious charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Information Technology Act.
Asked to pay ₹1 crore
Things took a darker turn on July 5, when Suman’s wife Tulika allegedly received a call from a man named Harshvardhan Chaudhary, who asked for a meeting. During this meeting at Irani Café in Bavdhan, Chaudhary allegedly threatened Suman with 15 years of imprisonment unless he paid ₹1 crore to withdraw the charges. Under pressure, Suman paid over ₹1.5 lakh in cash.
The harassment reportedly escalated. Over the following week, Suman alleges he was summoned to multiple locations across Pune including Durga Café in Bhusari Colony, an HDFC ATM in Kothrud, and Chandni Chowk, where he was made to pay additional amounts totaling ₹21 lakh.
A second accused, Ajinkya Aghade, who allegedly posed as a cyber and forensic expert, joined the extortion later. Both accused threatened Suman with fabricated charges, including sexual assault and harassment, citing that if they failed to pay, the following charges would be levied upon him.
Suman claims the duo used fear, caste-based accusations, and threats of arrest to force payments, citing influence with local police and the involvement of Ramesh Ahire and his wife. “They said they could have me jailed anytime and that they had used similar tactics to settle other personal scores,” Suman stated in his complaint.
The Hinjewadi Police have registered a case and assigned Sub-Inspector Mohan Bhimrao Chavan to lead the investigation. Further investigation is underway.
