The businessman alleges two sub-inspectors abducted him, threatened to implicate him in gold smuggling and stage an encounter; SSP orders a probe as the accused flee before arrest
LUCKNOW – Serious allegations have emerged from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, where two police sub-inspectors are accused of extorting Rs 20 lakh from a Muslim trader after threatening to kill him in a fake encounter. The officers have been suspended, but both reportedly went missing before they could be arrested.
Sunday’s incident has raised fresh questions over the state’s repeated claims of a “zero tolerance policy” towards corruption and misuse of power.
The case relates to the Lohia Nagar police station in Meerut. According to the complaint, two sub-inspectors from the 2003 batch allegedly abducted a well-known Muslim trader, who runs a large thread business, from the Lisari Gate area.
The trader, who also has import-export dealings in Meerut and Dubai, had recently sold a plot of land. Information about the transaction reportedly reached a local informer, who, according to police sources, worked with the two officers to target the businessman.
The trader has alleged that he was picked up and threatened with being falsely implicated in a gold smuggling case. He was also warned that he could be killed in a police encounter if he did not pay money.
According to the complaint, the officers demanded Rs 20 lakh, which the trader paid out of fear.
A family member of the trader said, “He was terrified. They told him he would be shown as a smuggler and shot in an encounter. He had no choice but to arrange the money.”
The matter might have ended there, but the officers allegedly demanded an additional Rs 10 lakh a few days later. When the demand continued, the trader approached senior officials, including the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the SP City.
A police source said, “When the demand increased again, the businessman decided to complain. He realised that the extortion would not stop.”
Following the complaint, a secret inquiry was launched. Electronic surveillance and mobile location data were examined as part of the investigation.
According to officials, the mobile phone locations of the two sub-inspectors, the informer, and the trader were found to be at the same place on the day the money was allegedly taken. Video footage was also reportedly recovered showing the trader being taken around in a vehicle.
After preliminary findings supported the trader’s allegations, SSP Avinash Pandey confirmed action against the officers.
Speaking to the media, he said, “A case has been registered against the two sub-inspectors. They have been suspended with immediate effect. Further investigation is underway.”
He also added that the role of the station in-charge of Lohia Nagar police station is being examined.
However, before arrest proceedings could be completed, both sub-inspectors reportedly absconded. Police teams are now conducting raids to trace them.
A senior officer said, “Teams have been formed to arrest the accused officers. They will be brought to justice.”
The case has once again drawn attention to allegations of misuse of encounter threats in Uttar Pradesh. Civil society members say the fear of encounters is often used to intimidate vulnerable individuals.
A local trader in Meerut said, “If this can happen to a known businessman, what about ordinary people? People are scared to speak.”
Community leaders have demanded a fair and transparent investigation.
One community representative said, “This is not just about money. It is about the misuse of uniform and power. Strict action must be taken.”
Opposition voices have questioned how officers accused of serious charges were able to flee before arrest.
A local political worker said, “If there is a zero-tolerance policy, then why were they not immediately detained? Suspension alone is not enough.”
Meanwhile, police officials maintain that the investigation is ongoing and that all aspects, including the alleged involvement of the informer and other officers, are being examined.
For the affected trader and his family, the incident has left deep distress.
“He runs a legitimate business,” a relative said. “Instead of protection, he faced threats from those meant to uphold the law.”
As search operations continue, the case is likely to remain under public scrutiny, with many watching closely to see whether the accused officers are arrested and whether further accountability follows.
