Deputy SP in UP police suspended for amassing assets worth ₹100 crore

An SIT’s investigation pointed to the role of a lawyer in Kanpur, Akhilesh Dubey, who operated a network that had close connections with police officials and bureaucrats in the Kanpur Development Authority, and which extorted money by allegedly filing false police complaints and forcibly occupying land

Published on: Nov 5, 2025, 05:26:01 IST

By Rohit Kumar Singh, Haidar Naqvi

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A probe by a Special Investigation Team into an extortion racket in Kanpur has resulted in the suspension of a deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Rishikant Shukla, 57, over charges of allegedly amassing assets worth in excess of ₹100 crore.

A government order from the Uttar Pradesh home department dated November 3 has also directed a vigilance probe against Shukla, who is currently posted in Bhogaon, Mainpuri, but who was posted in Kanpur for over a decade till 2009.

The SIT’s investigation pointed to the role of a lawyer in Kanpur, Akhilesh Dubey, who operated a network that had close connections with police officials and bureaucrats in the Kanpur Development Authority, and which extorted money by allegedly filing false police complaints and forcibly occupying land. It further pointed to the role of Shukla, who had joined the police force as a sub-inspector in 1998, become friendly with Dubey, and even become his partner in some real estate ventures.

The SIT found some properties in the names of Shukla and his family members, and others, including 11 shops which were held on his behalf by an associate of Dubey.

The properties he owned were far in excess of his known sources of income, the SIT concluded, terming them “unnatural” and “illegal”

According to the SIT, Dubey himself has built a criminal empire of around ₹1,500 crore through a network of shell companies and benami properties. His modus operandi , it added, involved filing false rape cases against businessmen and politicians, to extort money from them.

The suspension order provides extensive details from the SIT probe.

Shukla, who began his career in the Uttar Pradesh Police as a sub-inspector, has been suspended after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed in Kanpur commissionerate uncovered evidence of disproportionate assets, officials said on Monday. The state government has also ordered a vigilance inquiry into the case, a government order issued said. The government has also directed the police department to take further action against Shukla based on the findings of the inquiry.

Dubey is currently lodged in Kanpur district jail in connection with five criminal cases.

Government officials familiar with the matter claimed that the investigation into the Dubey case has pointed to the roles of several other police officers and businessmen, although HT couldn’t independently verify this. The officials, who asked not to be named, said the roles of two more deputy superintendents of police and two inspectors, who remain posted in Kanpur, are also under investigation.

Excluding Dubey, 11 police personnel were suspended two months back for having links with Dubey.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rohit Kumar Singh
Rohit Kumar Singh is a senior journalist based in Lucknow and currently serves as Special Correspondent and City Chief with Hindustan Times. With over 25 years of experience in journalism, he specialises in investigative reporting, with a strong focus on crime, policing, internal security, terrorism, governance and public policy in Uttar Pradesh. He began his journalism career in 2000 and joined Hindustan Times in June 2008 after working with The Daily Pioneer and Sahara Samay. Over the years, he has produced numerous high-impact investigative and exclusive reports on organised crime, terrorism, law enforcement, politics, governance and public administration. Rohit has extensively covered major criminal investigations, terror incidents, elections, police reforms, anti-terror operations, corruption, communal violence and other sensitive security issues. His reporting is recognised for its accuracy, depth, strong sourcing and analytical approach, making him one of the most respected journalists covering the police and internal security beat in Uttar Pradesh. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered stories that have shaped public discourse, exposed systemic lapses and promoted accountability in governance and law enforcement. He continues to focus on public- interest journalism, combining investigative reporting with in-depth analysis of issues that impact governance and public safety.Read More
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Haidar Naqvi
Haidar Naqvi is an Assistant Editor with the Hindustan Times in Kanpur and has been with the newspaper since May 1997, after beginning his journalism career with The Times of India. Over more than three decades, he has reported on terrorism, internal security, politics, governance and public affairs, with a particular focus on the changing nature of extremist movements in India.From 2008 to 2011, Haidar was part of the Hindustan Times National Reporting Team, contributing to coverage of some of the country's most significant security stories. He was among the reporters who covered the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks as they unfolded and continued reporting on the investigation that exposed the conspiracy behind them.His reporting has followed the rise and evolution of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), the Indian Mujahideen and India's counter-terrorism response, alongside extensive coverage of organised crime and the underworld. He has also reported on Indian Mujahideen serial blasts, the Maoist insurgency, communal riots, parliamentary and assembly elections, and major political developments. Over the years, he has interviewed political leaders, senior police officers, intelligence officials and policymakers, while reporting from communities affected by violence, conflict and public policy.Beyond national security, Haidar has covered politics, minority affairs, governance, wildlife and human-interest stories across Central Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand. A recipient of the coveted Hindustan Times' Star Award, he brings historical perspective, field experience and institutional knowledge to reporting on the intersection of security, governance and society.Read More

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