Gang of fake vigilance officials busted

Businessman lays trap for three suspects who tried to extort money from him

March 03, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:32 am IST - CHENNAI:

Thiruvanmiyur police busted a three-member gang that tried to extort money from a city businessman posing as vigilance officials. Fake ID cards and other documents were seized from them.

Police said the suspects, Shanmugam (35), Suburayan (43) and Suman (23), all natives of Marakkanam in Villupuram, targeted Thirumurugan (36), a businessman from Thiruvanmiyur. A few weeks ago, the businessman received a phone call from a person who claimed sleuths of the State Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption were keeping tabs on his activities and they came across something suspicious. The caller demanded a large sum of money to connive at his alleged wrongdoing. Suspecting it to be a ploy to extract money, Mr. Thirumurgan approached the police who began an investigation.

“As planned, Thirumurugan invited the caller to his house to hand over the money and the suspect bit the bait. Shanmugam, the kingpin, came to the house on Sunday and was caught red-handed by a police team. He then led investigators to his two accomplices,” said an investigating officer.

Police seized bogus ID cards of news reporters, cameramen, members of human rights organisations and vigilance officers. A car that the suspects used was confiscated. During questioning, Suman revealed that he had worked as a driver for the complainant for a while and came to know of his financial position. He then planned to extort money from him, the officer added.

The three were remanded in judicial custody and sent to Puzhal Prison on Monday.

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