Meerut: In a major corruption scandal that has raised serious questions over police integrity in Uttar Pradesh, two sub-inspectors posted at Lohiyanagar Police Station in Meerut have been accused of kidnapping and extorting ₹20 lakh from a local thread businessman by threatening to implicate him in a false criminal case.
The incident came to light after the victim, instead of succumbing to further pressure, approached senior officials, leading to a confidential inquiry. The investigation reportedly confirmed the allegations, and after the recovery of ₹15 lakh, the accused policemen allegedly went absconding.
Victim Runs Business in India and Dubai
The victim has been identified as Rashik, a resident of Lisari Gate area, who is engaged in the thread business. He is also reportedly involved in property dealings and import-export operations, with business links extending to Dubai. Police sources revealed that Rashik had recently sold a piece of land and received a large amount of money, which became the trigger for the extortion plan.
Police Informer Allegedly Planned Conspiracy
According to sources, a police informer learned about Rashik’s recent financial gains and allegedly conspired with the two sub-inspectors to target him. The accused officers are said to be from the 2023 batch.
The businessman was allegedly abducted and threatened with being jailed in a fabricated case related to gold smuggling. Under pressure, he reportedly paid ₹20 lakh to secure his release.
Demand for Additional ₹10 Lakh Exposed the Plot
The matter did not end there. Nearly a week later, the accused allegedly contacted the trader again and demanded an additional ₹10 lakh.
This time, Rashik reportedly gathered courage and filed a complaint with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the SP City, prompting a secret investigation into the allegations.
Mobile Location Data and CCTV Evidence Confirmed Allegations
During the probe, officials tracked the mobile phone locations of the victim and the accused. Investigators reportedly found that the phone locations of all three matched at the same spot during the time of the alleged extortion.
Additionally, CCTV footage is said to have surfaced showing the vehicle in which the businessman was allegedly held captive and moved around.
₹15 Lakh Recovered, Accused Flee After Promising Remaining Amount
As the investigation progressed, the two sub-inspectors were summoned for questioning. During the process, authorities managed to recover ₹15 lakh from them.
However, they allegedly promised to return the remaining ₹5 lakh and later fled, avoiding further interrogation. Following their disappearance, police marked them absent from duty and launched raids to arrest them.
FIR and Suspension Process Underway
Police officials have confirmed that preparations are underway to register a formal case based on the trader’s complaint. The accused officers are expected to face serious charges including kidnapping, illegal detention, criminal intimidation, extortion, and corruption.
Sources said that once the FIR is registered, the process of their suspension and dismissal will be initiated, and a report will be sent to the government for further action.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with locals demanding strict punishment and accountability, as the incident highlights growing concerns about corruption within law enforcement.
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