In a significant crackdown, the Uttar Pradesh Police in Hardoi district have dismantled a sophisticated racket that operated as "professional sureties" for criminals. The gang allegedly used fabricated land records, counterfeit Aadhaar cards, and other fake identity documents to help accused individuals involved in serious crimes like murder, rape, and robbery secure bail from courts.
Six Arrested, Including Murder Convict on Bail
Acting on specific intelligence, a coordinated operation involving the Special Operations Group (SOG), surveillance unit, and City Kotwali police led to the arrest of six individuals. All six have been sent to judicial custody. Shockingly, one of the arrested, Praveen Dixit, is a convicted murderer serving a life sentence who is currently out on bail granted by the high court.
Investigations spearheaded by officials including City Circle Officer Ankit Mishra and Additional SP Subodh Gautam have so far uncovered that this network fraudulently facilitated bail in at least 23 criminal cases. The gang had a fixed rate for their illegal services, charging approximately Rs 20,000 per case.
Modus Operandi and Key Roles Exposed
Police have detailed the roles played by each accused in this elaborate forgery scheme. Ram Kishore is identified as a key figure who allegedly arranged forged land revenue documents in 13 cases. His accomplices, Vishwanath Pandey and Praveen Dixit, stood as bailors in two cases each.
Other members, Dharmendra and Amit, played their parts in two and three cases respectively. Another accused, Pinku alias Prem Shankar, who reportedly works on court premises drafting applications, played a pivotal role. He used his access and knowledge to arrange sureties and forged documents specifically for professional criminals.
Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This bust highlights a dangerous loophole in the judicial process where individuals with resources can exploit the bail system using fabricated collateral. The use of fake land records and Aadhaar cards points to a deep-rooted network capable of producing high-quality forgeries that can mislead authorities.
The police are now delving deeper into the racket's operations. Technical and documentary verification was crucial in cracking the case, and authorities are examining the possibility of more accused and cases being linked to this gang. The arrest of a life-term convict involved in such activities also raises serious questions about bail monitoring mechanisms.
This case serves as a stern warning to those attempting to manipulate the justice system and underscores the police's focus on tackling ancillary crimes that enable serious offenders to walk free.
