Hyderabad: Cyberabad Police arrested five members of a criminal gang that allegedly posed as police officers, kidnapped a businessman and extorted ₹5.26 lakh from him.
Jagadgirigutta Police and the Kukatpally CCS team cracked the case after investigating the May 18 incident.
According to investigators, the gang intercepted a businessman near Subhodaya Colony in Jagadgirigutta. The accused falsely claimed they were police officers investigating a criminal case in Haryana.
The gang allegedly forced the victim into a vehicle, seized his belongings and compelled him to reveal his banking credentials.
Police said the accused strengthened their deception through a fake video call. During the call, another gang member impersonated a police officer.
Fake cops arrested after elaborate kidnapping plot
Investigators said the gang took the victim to Suryapet after abducting him.
The accused allegedly withdrew and transferred money from the victim’s accounts while keeping him under confinement.
Police said the gang extorted ₹5.26 lakh from the businessman. Later, the accused allegedly assaulted him and abandoned him at a remote location.
Police arrested Nagaraju Raghu Varma, also known as Karthikeya, Vamshi, Alluri Vijayaram and Col. Karthikeya Singh, from Andhra Pradesh.
Officers also arrested Yeswanth Singh alias Rahul from Uttar Pradesh, Sathyabhan Singh alias Thakur from Uttar Pradesh and Thangellapalli Nagendra Varma from Hyderabad.
Police said Pradeep Kumar Mishra of Bihar and Sunil Kumar alias Fouzi of Haryana remain absconding.
Fake cops arrested with forged police equipment
During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted that they formed the gang after meeting in prison.
Investigators said the gang continued its criminal activities after the members secured release from jail.
Police said the accused used fake police uniforms, forged identity cards, handcuffs, official-looking documents and counterfeit vehicle number plates to commit crimes in multiple states.
During the operation, officers recovered mobile phones, laptops, fake police equipment, vehicles, an air pistol and a country-made firearm.
Investigators also found links between the accused and several offences, including theft, extortion, dacoity and cyber-related crimes.
Police continue to investigate the case. They are also trying to identify additional victims and trace the absconding suspects.
Investigators produced the accused before a court. The court remanded them to judicial custody.