Surat Police Thwarts Major Extortion Plot, Nabs Impersonators in Parle Point Raid
In a dramatic operation on Saturday evening, the Umra police in Surat successfully foiled an extortion attempt valued at Rs 5 lakh, leading to the arrest of three men who were impersonating police officers, including a sub-inspector. The raid took place at an upscale apartment in the affluent Parle Point area, uncovering a sophisticated honey-trap racket that also involved two women.
Details of the Honey-Trap and Extortion Scheme
According to police reports, the incident began when a 36-year-old construction supervisor, employed with a local builder, was lured through a 'female service' advertisement listed on a website. He was directed to the Parle Point apartment, where a woman demanded an advance payment of Rs 1,000 before escorting him to another room. At this critical juncture, three men—posing as a sub-inspector, constable, and writer—confronted the victim. They threatened him with a fabricated rape case unless he paid a hefty sum of Rs 5 lakh as extortion money.
Police Intervention and Arrests
Acting on a timely tip-off, a police team led by Inspector J A Rathwa raided the apartment while the extortion negotiations were underway. During the operation, authorities apprehended the accused individuals, rescued the honey-trap victim, and seized fake police identity cards as evidence. A total of six people have been booked for charges including extortion, impersonation, and other related offences. The arrested individuals are identified as Akash Vaghela, Piyush Goswami, Khetaram Parmar, Rajvi Devganiya, and Princy Rajput, while one suspect, Ramesh Pal, remains absconding and is currently being sought by the police.
Broader Implications and Police Statement
This case highlights the growing menace of online honey-trap scams and impersonation crimes in urban areas. Inspector Rathwa emphasized the importance of public vigilance and prompt reporting of such incidents to prevent further victimization. The successful bust underscores the effectiveness of community-police collaboration in combating organized crime, ensuring safety in Surat's neighborhoods. Investigations are ongoing to uncover any potential links to larger criminal networks, with authorities urging citizens to verify identities and avoid engaging with suspicious online offers.
