Was a Youth Arrested for Extorting Villagers by Posing as a Kolkata Police Officer?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- A youth was arrested for impersonating a police officer.
- He extorted money from villagers by threatening them.
- Authorities are investigating potential accomplices.
- Public awareness is crucial to prevent such scams.
- Trust in law enforcement is vital for community safety.
Kolkata, Nov 8 (NationPress) The authorities have apprehended a young man impersonating a 'Special Branch Officer' of Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters, on allegations of extorting money from villagers by threatening them with arrest, as reported by police officials on Saturday.
This individual was taken into custody by officers from Memari Police Station in East Burdwan district of West Bengal on Thursday.
As per police reports, the accused went from house to house demanding a hefty sum of money under the guise of conducting a search.
He manipulated the villagers by warning them of potential arrests if they failed to comply with his demands.
The accused has been identified as Monirul Sheikh, also known as Moni.
He is a resident of the Shaktipur area in Murshidabad district.
When he was presented before the Burdwan Chief Judicial Magistrate's court on Friday afternoon, the judge mandated his judicial custody.
According to police sources, Moni visited the residence of Kakali Hembram, a tribal woman, in Bhaita village within the Palsit outpost area on Wednesday night.
Displaying an identity card claiming to be a 'Special Branch Officer of Lalbazar', he concealed his true identity and initiated a search within Kakali's home.
The accused insisted on checking the bills for poppy seeds and other goods present in the victim's household.
Kakali informed him that these items were purchased from a local shop.
Subsequently, the youth threatened to imprison either Kakali or her son unless she paid him Rs 10,000.
Frightened by the threat of arrest, Kakali handed over Rs 1,000 instead.
After his departure, the woman recounted her ordeal to neighbors.
She discovered that Moni had similarly approached two other villagers, coercing them for money in the same manner.
In response, the villagers began searching for the youth.
Upon spotting him at a local resident's house, they detained him.
Later, they notified the Memari Police Station.
The police arrived and arrested the youth on extortion charges.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine if any accomplices were involved with the accused.