Imposters posing as CIA team staff extort Rs 50K from chemist

Jalandhar, February 27

A city-based chemist fell victim to fraudsters posing as officers from the Police Commissionerate, CIA team. The imposters extorted Rs 50,000 from the victim, Arjun Vishwas, a resident of Sanjay Gandhi Nagar, under false pretences, threatening him with fabricated charges of selling illegal medicines.

Five persons claiming to be affiliated with the CIA staff team visited the victim’s medicine shop. They alleged his involvement in illicit medicine trade. One of the imposters started recording the entire incident.

They started talking to each other about taking him to the police station. Instead of escorting him to the police station, they took him to an office at the AC Market near Bhagwan Valmiki Chowk.

The imposters called the victim’s wife from his cell phone. They started blackmailing her and demanded Rs 1 lakh from her to release her husband. She agreed to pay Rs 50,000 to the imposters.

Vishwas spotted one of the imposters loitering in the vicinity two days back. He, along with neighbouring shopkeepers, apprehended the suspect and informed the police.

Avtar Singh, in-charge of Focal Point Chowki, said the incident took place a few days ago. A case against the prime suspect, Pankaj Sharma, and his four unidentified accomplices had been registered. While Sharma has been arrested, efforts were underway to nab the remaining suspects. — TNS

Prime suspect held, efforts on to nab others

Avtar Singh, in-charge of Focal Point Chowki, said a case against the prime suspect, Pankaj Sharma, and his four unidentified accomplices had been registered. While Sharma has been arrested, efforts were underway to nab the remaining suspects.