Ghazipur: A fake Income Tax team was exposed in Shadiabad police station area of Ghazipur on Thursday evening. Police arrested seven accused, including one woman, while the gang leader managed to escape. Authorities also seized a four-wheeler vehicle used by the accused.
After complaints were filed by local shopkeepers, the police registered a case and launched an investigation. According to reports, the fake team approached various shops in Shadiabad town, intimidating business owners. The accused claimed that their team had come from Lucknow and tried to coerce the shopkeepers into paying money.
The team first reached Sitaram Kirana Store and extorted ten thousand rupees by threatening the shopkeeper. They then went to Murat Prajapati’s shop and collected three thousand rupees. At Srinivas Kirana Store, they demanded thirty thousand rupees. Suspicious about their behavior, someone informed the police, which led to the gang’s exposure.
Arrests Made, Key Accused Still Absconding
Upon questioning, it was revealed that the entire team was fake, and their only motive was to extort money from shopkeepers. The identities of the arrested are as follows—Anil Kumar, resident of Cholapur, Varanasi; Sadanand Prasad, resident of Sadat; Pramod Kumar, resident of Yusufpur, Muhammadabad; Ravi Patel, resident of Lahartara, Varanasi; Deva Patel, resident of Shivpur, Varanasi; Sanket Gupta, resident of Muhammadabad, Ghazipur; and a woman, Sushila Gupta, resident of Muhammadabad.
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Police sources stated that the gang leader, Sars Gupta, managed to flee. To trace him, police have imposed checkpoints in surrounding areas and intensified the investigation. The seized vehicle is also being examined to determine how it was used in extortion and intimidation activities.
Rising Threat of Fake Officials and Extortion Gangs
Experts say such fake official gangs are on the rise and pose a serious threat to ordinary citizens and small business owners. These gangs often exploit crowds, threaten people, and present fake identification and documents to extort money.
Police have urged citizens to immediately inform local authorities if they encounter such fake officials and not to pay any money under pressure. Authorities also highlighted that several such cases have surfaced in the past where fake officials extorted lakhs of rupees from shopkeepers and small business owners.
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Vigilance
This incident underscores the need for timely action to ensure citizen safety and maintain law and order. Ghazipur police confirmed that a case has been registered against the accused, and strict legal action will be taken. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the absconding gang leader.
Experts emphasize that the impact of fake extortion gangs and bogus officials is increasing, requiring both police vigilance and citizen awareness. This case highlights the critical need for awareness, monitoring, and prompt action to prevent such crimes in society.
The incident once again stresses the importance of accountability and strict oversight in law enforcement, ensuring that offenders face appropriate legal consequences while safeguarding public trust and security.
