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A serious case of impersonation and extortion has come to light in Hyderabad, where a group of individuals allegedly misused the identity of the police to intimidate a man and demand a massive payout. The Kukatpally Police have registered a criminal case against persons who posed as officers of the Special Operations Team (SOT) and demanded ₹3 crore, officials said on Saturday. The incident has raised alarm over the growing misuse of law-enforcement identities to coerce victims and extract large sums of money.
According to police, the victim—identified as Raju—stated in his complaint that five men, including one Narsimha Raju, arrived at his apartment and claimed to be personnel from the Madhapur SOT. The accused allegedly told him that he was operating illegal betting and online wagering apps and warned of severe legal consequences unless he paid ₹3 crore to “settle” the matter.
Threats and ‘Settlement’ Pitch
As per the complaint, the men leveraged the fear associated with a specialised police unit to pressure the victim. They allegedly claimed that upon payment, no case would be registered and the issue would be closed internally. The victim told police that the accused used confident demeanour, authoritative language and repeated references to the SOT to create the impression that they were genuine officers, leaving him alarmed and fearful of immediate action.
After initial hesitation, the victim approached the Kukatpally Police and reported the entire episode, prompting an inquiry.
Verification Exposes Impersonation
Following the complaint, police initiated immediate verification of the claims made by the accused. Preliminary checks established that none of the individuals were police personnel. Investigators confirmed that all the accused were civilians impersonating officers, an offence that attracts stringent legal consequences. Subsequently, the police registered a case invoking provisions related to impersonation of a public servant, extortion, criminal intimidation and misuse of identity under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A senior police officer said, “We received a complaint that certain individuals were posing as Madhapur SOT officers and demanding ₹3 crore. Verification clearly showed they are not police personnel. A case has been registered under appropriate sections, and strict action will follow.”
Betting Activities Also Under Scrutiny
During the inquiry, police also found that the complainant himself was allegedly involved in operating betting apps, which are illegal under Telangana laws governing gambling and online wagering. Officials clarified that separate legal action will be taken against the complainant as well, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
However, police stressed that a person’s alleged involvement in illegal activity does not justify impersonation or extortion. “Impersonating police officers to extract money will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” officials said.
Legal Provisions and Gravity of the Offence
Police noted that impersonating a government official—especially a police officer—to demand money constitutes a serious criminal offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In such cases, provisions relating to personation of a public servant, extortion, and criminal intimidation have been invoked. Officers said all relevant BNS sections have been incorporated in the FIR to ensure a strong and effective prosecution.
The case highlights a troubling pattern in which criminals exploit the authority and fear associated with specialised police units to pressure targets into paying large sums.
Investigation and Next Steps
After registering the FIR, Kukatpally Police launched a detailed investigation. Teams are examining CCTV footage from the victim’s apartment complex and surrounding areas, recording witness statements, and analysing mobile phones, call detail records and digital communications of the accused. Police sources indicated that if evidence points to a wider network or additional accomplices, further arrests may follow.
Public Advisory
Telangana Police have issued an advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant. People have been advised to be cautious if anyone claims to be from a special police unit or law-enforcement agency and seeks money or sensitive information. Officials emphasised that genuine police officers always carry valid identification and act with official documentation. Any suspicious approach should be immediately reported to the nearest police station.
Crackdown on Illegal Betting Apps
Police reiterated that illegal betting and online gambling apps are prohibited in Telangana and are often linked to crimes such as money laundering, cyber fraud and extortion. Enforcement against such platforms has intensified in recent years.
Authorities concluded by stating that impersonation of police officers for personal gain will not be spared, irrespective of the background of the complainant. The investigation is ongoing, and further details—including additional charges or arrests—will be shared as the probe progresses.
