Kolkata man arrested for posing as DSP, extorting ₹12,000 with fake police ID
Synopsis
A Kolkata man allegedly posed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police using a fake ID card, extracted confidential personal information from an acquaintance, and then demanded ₹5 lakh under threat of social media exposure. The victim paid ₹12,000 before growing suspicious — and the arrest followed within days.
Key Takeaways
Rahul Roy was arrested by Kolkata Police on 30 September for allegedly impersonating a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) .
Roy allegedly used a fake police identity card to gain the complainant's trust and extract sensitive personal information.
He and his associates allegedly demanded ₹5 lakh , threatening to circulate the information on social media.
The complainant reportedly paid ₹10,000 on 27 September and ₹2,000 on 28 September before approaching police.
A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) ; police are investigating how the fake ID was obtained and the role of Roy's associates.
Kolkata Police on Wednesday, 30 September arrested a man identified as Rahul Roy for allegedly impersonating a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and attempting to extort ₹5 lakh from a young acquaintance by threatening to expose his personal information on social media. The arrest followed a complaint filed at Kalighat police station in south Kolkata.
How the Fraud Unfolded
According to police, Roy allegedly presented himself to the complainant as a serving DSP of the state police, backing the claim with a fake police identity card. The complainant, who was dealing with personal difficulties at the time, trusted Roy and confided sensitive personal details to him.
Roy and his associates then allegedly weaponised that information, demanding ₹5 lakh and threatening to circulate the confidential details across social media platforms if the payment was not made. Fearing public exposure, the complainant reportedly paid ₹10,000 on 27 September and a further ₹2,000 on 28 September, even as the pressure to pay the remaining sum continued.
Complainant Grows Suspicious, Approaches Police
The complainant reportedly grew suspicious of Roy's credentials and independently verified his identity. He allegedly discovered that Roy held no police rank and that the identity card shown to him was fabricated. The complainant then approached Kalighat police station and lodged a formal complaint.
Acting swiftly, police conducted a search operation and detained Roy in the early hours of Wednesday. Both Roy and the complainant are residents of the Kalighat area and were previously known to each other, according to police.
What the Police Said
'A case has been filed against the man under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He has been arrested. The matter is under investigation,' a senior Kolkata Police officer said.
Investigators are now probing how Roy obtained the fake police identity card and whether any associates played a role in its preparation. The broader network behind the alleged extortion attempt is also under scrutiny.
Wider Context and What Comes Next
Impersonation of police officers for extortion purposes is not an isolated phenomenon in Indian cities; law enforcement agencies have flagged a rise in such cases, particularly where perpetrators exploit the trust placed in uniformed authority. This case is notable for the use of a fabricated official identity document to lend credibility to the fraud.
As the investigation continues, police are expected to examine digital evidence — including any communications used to threaten the complainant — and trace the origin of the counterfeit credentials. Further arrests of Roy's alleged associates remain a possibility.
Point of View
Procuring a counterfeit official document to make the deception credible. The ease with which a fake police ID card was reportedly obtained and used raises questions about document security and verification gaps that go beyond this single arrest. The fact that the victim paid before suspecting anything underscores how effectively the uniform's authority is weaponised in such frauds. Police focus on tracing the fake credential's source is the right instinct — without dismantling the supply chain for counterfeit IDs, individual arrests will not deter repeat offences.
NationPress
30 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Kolkata fake DSP extortion case?
Rahul Roy, a resident of the Kalighat area in south Kolkata, was arrested on 30 September after allegedly posing as a Deputy Superintendent of Police and extorting money from an acquaintance using a fake police identity card.
How much money did the accused demand and how much was paid?
Roy and his associates allegedly demanded ₹5 lakh in total. The complainant reportedly paid ₹10,000 on 27 September and ₹2,000 on 28 September before approaching police, bringing the total amount extorted to ₹12,000.
What charges have been filed against Rahul Roy?
A case has been registered against Roy under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation is ongoing, and police are also examining the role of his associates.
How did the accused convince the victim he was a police officer?
Roy allegedly introduced himself as a DSP of the state police and showed the complainant a fake police identity card. The complainant trusted him and shared personal information, which Roy then allegedly used to blackmail him.
What is Kolkata Police investigating now?
Investigators are probing how Roy obtained the fake police identity card, whether associates helped prepare the counterfeit credentials, and the full extent of the extortion network. Digital communications used to threaten the complainant are also being examined.
