New Delhi: The Delhi Police Crime Branch has busted a honey trap racket, arresting three individuals who impersonated police officers to extort money from victims. The gang’s latest target, a 60-year-old doctor from Dwarka, was duped of ₹9 lakh, leading to the exposure of the operation.
Incident Details:
In August 2024, the doctor received a call from a woman requesting a home visit to treat her ailing mother near Janakpuri Metro Station. Upon reaching the address, the woman attempted to seduce him. Moments later, accomplices posing as police officers stormed in and accused the doctor of a criminal offense. Under duress, the doctor handed over ₹9 lakh to avoid legal trouble.
Arrests and Recovery:
Three accused—Neeraj Tyagi (42), Ashish Mathur (31), and Deepak (30)—were apprehended near Kanjhawala Road, Outer Delhi. Fake police ID cards and a Delhi Police head constable’s uniform were seized. Two suspects remain at large, and investigations are ongoing to identify others involved in the gang, believed to include 10-12 men and at least five women.
Modus Operandi:
- Women lured male victims by feigning emergencies or seduction.
- Male accomplices posed as police officers, conducting staged “raids” and threatening victims with criminal cases like rape.
- Victims were extorted for significant sums to avoid false charges.
Past Crimes:
This gang has been active since 2019, using similar tactics to target victims in Delhi. In one instance, a man in Rohini was extorted for ₹50,000 after being lured to a woman’s house.
Police Action:
The arrests were made following a tip-off about the gang’s activities. While attempting to flee custody during interrogation, the suspects were overpowered by Crime Branch officers.
Official Statement:
Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sanjay Bhatia said, “The gang exploited victims by threatening them with false cases. We are investigating further to uncover the full extent of their operations.”
Key Takeaways:
- Be cautious about unsolicited requests or unfamiliar situations.
- Always verify identities, especially in private meetings.
- Report suspicious activities to authorities immediately.
The swift action by Delhi Police has disrupted the gang’s operations, but authorities urge vigilance as investigations continue.
