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Aligarh, India — A man posing as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer allegedly raided five clinics in Aligarh, extorting nearly ₹10 lakh ($12,000) in cash and valuables, police said. Authorities are investigating the case and searching for the suspect, warning that more clinics may have been targeted.
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Claiming to Be a CBI Officer
The incident occurred on September 6 at a clinic in Prince Nagar. Yogendra Prasad, a retired official from the Federation of Medical Institutions (FMI), was present when a sharply dressed man arrived, claiming to be an officer of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The man allegedly told Mr. Prasad that his son’s clinic was involved in illegal activities and threatened him with arrest and even an “encounter” — a term in India for extrajudicial police action. He reportedly held Mr. Prasad at the clinic before fleeing with cash and jewelry.
Multiple Clinics Targeted
Police suspect the impostor may have carried out similar raids at four additional clinics. Authorities caution that this could be the work of an organized criminal network exploiting local business owners’ fear and unfamiliarity with official procedures.
Police Investigation Underway
“Investigators are trying to determine whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a larger group,” an Aligarh police official said. “We are also tracing other potential victims to assess the full extent of the fraud.”
Expert Analysis
Triveni Singh, former Indian Police Service officer and cyber and financial crime expert, emphasized that such incidents highlight both psychological and economic vulnerabilities.
“When individuals impersonate high-ranking officials and threaten business owners, it’s not just financial loss — it’s an attempt to instill fear and control. Criminals exploit gaps in oversight, both at the local administration level and in digital payment systems,” he said.
Prof. Singh further noted that the incident reflects a broader pattern of fraudulent authority impersonation, which undermines trust in public institutions and makes small business owners particularly vulnerable.
Systemic Challenges
The Aligarh raids underscore the challenges authorities face in protecting small businesses from sophisticated cons. Multiple attacks in a short period raise questions about monitoring, reporting, and preventive measures within the local enforcement framework.
Authorities continue to search for the suspect and are urging any potential victims to come forward, as the investigation remains ongoing.
