In a major embarrassment for the police in Meerut, two sub-inspectors posted at Lohiyanagar police station have been accused of extorting ₹20 lakh from a thread trader by threatening to implicate him and stage an “encounter.” Following an internal inquiry, the allegations were found to be prima facie true. ₹15 lakh has been recovered, while the two accused officers fled from custody. A third officer, the station in-charge, has also been suspended.
The complainant, Rasik, a thread trader residing in the Lisari Gate area, alleged that Sub-Inspectors Lokendra Sahu and Mahesh Kumar summoned him to the Bijli Bamba outpost and threatened him with arrest and a possible encounter in connection with a case. Under pressure, he claimed to have paid ₹20 lakh.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
The complaint was submitted to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), who ordered a probe by the SP City. The inquiry reportedly confirmed the extortion. A case under corruption and extortion provisions has been registered, and both sub-inspectors were taken into custody and seated at the Crime Branch office in the Police Lines.
₹15 Lakh Recovered; Accused Escape
Police officials confirmed that ₹15 lakh was recovered from the accused officers during questioning. However, shortly after the FIR was registered, both Lokendra Sahu and Mahesh Kumar managed to flee from custody. Teams have been formed to trace and arrest them.
SSP Avinash Pandey stated that corruption would not be tolerated “at any cost” and assured strict action. He also ordered the suspension of Lohiyanagar station in-charge Yogesh Chandra pending further investigation into supervisory lapses.
Case Details
According to investigators, the two sub-inspectors allegedly exploited a separate case registered in the Lisari Gate area to intimidate the trader. By invoking the threat of arrest and encounter, they coerced him into paying the amount over a period of days.
After the complaint, statements were recorded and financial transactions scrutinised. The recovery of ₹15 lakh is being treated as key evidence in the case. The remaining ₹5 lakh is yet to be accounted for.
An FIR has been lodged at the concerned police station under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC provisions related to extortion. Authorities are also examining whether similar complaints exist against the accused officers.
Senior officers indicated that the role of other personnel posted at the station during the period will be scrutinised. Departmental proceedings are likely to run parallel to the criminal investigation.
The incident has sparked concern within the force and among the trading community in Meerut. Police officials say efforts are on to apprehend the absconding officers at the earliest and ensure that due process is followed.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
