Hyderabad: In a crackdown on a gang of fake cops targeting Hyderabad’s spa centres, the West Zone Task Force on Tuesday arrested two men who allegedly posed as police officers to extort money from staff and customers.
The suspects—Mohammed Fayyaz, 30, and Syed Ahmed Hashmi alias Mirchi Ahmed, 28—were picked up near Masab Tank following a tip-off. Police say the duo, along with their associates, had been masquerading as officers from the CCS, Task Force, and SOT, barging into spa centres across the city and threatening staff with arrest unless they paid up.
Investigators said the fake cops collected anywhere from Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 per raid, often leaving staff shaken and desperate to avoid further trouble. Officers seized Rs 20,000 in cash, a mini wireless spy camera, and a OnePlus 5 mobile phone from the suspects.
“These guys had turned fear into a money-making business,” said one officer. “They’d show up, flash fake IDs, and demand cash on the spot.”
Their targets included spa centres in Film Nagar, Panjagutta, Masab Tank, and Madhapur. Police said the gang’s ruse was simple: pick a spa, pose as enforcement officers, and intimidate staff into paying up—no questions asked.
Syed Ahmed Hashmi’s rap sheet is long. He’s a known rowdy sheeter at Shalibanda Police Station, with cases ranging from extortion to arms violations. His record includes cases in Shalibanda, Maheshwaram and Hussaini Alam police stations.
The arrests were made by Inspector Ch Yadendar of the West Zone Task Force, assisted by Sub-Inspector Mohd Jahed and a team from Masab Tank Police Station.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Commissioner’s Task Force, YVS Sudheendra, confirmed the arrests and urged the public to stay alert. “These fake cops prey on trust and fear. Don’t fall for it—always demand proper ID and call the police if in doubt,” he said.
