Two Meerut Police Sub-Inspectors Suspended for Extorting Rs 20 Lakh from Local Trader
In a significant case of police misconduct, two sub-inspectors posted at the Lohia Nagar police station in Meerut have been suspended for allegedly extorting a substantial sum of Rs 20 lakh from a local thread trader. The officers reportedly threatened to falsely implicate the trader in a hawala racket and send him to jail if he did not comply with their demands.
FIR Registered and Accused Officers on the Run
An official First Information Report (FIR) was registered against the two accused police officers on Monday, following which they have gone absconding. The case came to light after Mohd Rasiq, a resident of the Lisadi Gate area, lodged a formal complaint last Friday at the Kotwali police station. Rasiq accused Sub-Inspectors Mahesh Kumar and Lokendra Sahu of targeting him based on a tip-off about a large sum of money transferred into his bank account.
"On December 11 last year, the two policemen called me to an isolated spot on the Meerut bypass and threatened to file a case against me if I did not pay them Rs 20 lakh. I was left with no choice but to pay," stated Rasiq in his detailed police complaint, highlighting the coercive tactics used by the officers.
Preliminary Inquiry Confirms Allegations
Based on Rasiq's complaint and under the directions of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Avinash Pandey, SP (City) Ayush Vikram conducted a thorough preliminary inquiry. The investigation found that the allegations against the sub-inspectors were indeed true. Consequently, based on the SP's report, SSP Pandey took immediate action by suspending the two accused officers and ordering a criminal case to be filed against them.
Additionally, the role of the Station House Officer (SHO), Inspector Yogesh Chand, came under scrutiny in connection with the case. Following the inquiry, Inspector Chand was also suspended, indicating a broader investigation into potential negligence or complicity within the police station.
Official Statements and Legal Actions
SSP Avinash Pandey provided clarity on the matter, stating, "The complainant approached us claiming that two men posing as policemen had threatened a false case against him, followed by arrest, and that they extorted some money from him. An inquiry confirmed the allegations to be true. The two men were recently appointed sub-inspectors and posted at Lohia Nagar police station." He further clarified that there was no evidence of any actual hawala transaction, and the amount transferred to Rasiq's account was a legitimate business transaction.
Additional SP and Circle Officer (Kotwali) Antariksh Jain detailed the legal proceedings, noting that a case has been registered against Mahesh Kumar and Lokendra Sahu under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 308 for extortion
- Section 127 for illegal confinement
- Section 351 for criminal intimidation
Relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act have also been invoked to address the misuse of official position. Jain confirmed, "Soon after the FIR was registered, the two accused SIs went absconding, following which a search operation was launched. They will be arrested," emphasizing the ongoing efforts to apprehend the fugitive officers.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This incident raises serious concerns about police integrity and the abuse of power in Meerut. The swift suspension of the involved officers and the SHO demonstrates a commitment to accountability, but it also underscores the need for systemic reforms to prevent such occurrences. The local business community, particularly traders like Rasiq, may feel vulnerable to similar threats, highlighting the importance of robust oversight mechanisms.
As the search operation continues, authorities are focused on bringing the accused to justice and restoring public trust in law enforcement. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in combating corruption within police ranks and the critical role of citizen complaints in exposing misconduct.
