Two cops held for extorting cash, laptops from Noida businessman

Three on the run: Police officials said that the accused demanded money from the complainant to cover up an investigation on ‘fake insurance policies’

Two police constables were arrested for their alleged involvement in extorting money from a civilian.

Police said Noida resident Rupesh Kumar, the complainant, runs a financial firm — Rajput and Roy financial services in Sector 8.

“On July 27, two people approached the victim claiming to be from an “elite special task force” who were investigating a complaint against his firm for cheating people by selling fake insurance policies. They demanded money to hush up the case. Rupesh gave them Rs 2.75 lakh in cash and two laptops,” a senior police officer said.

The accused, identified as Vikas Kumar, a head constable with the Noida police and Rajiv Malik, a constable with the Ghaziabad crime branch, were arrested on Tuesday evening.

Three more policemen — Neeraj Rathi, Rajender Rathi and Vineet — are absconding. Constable Vineet was posted as the personal security officer of the victim and police suspect that he is the key conspirator.

The accused called Rupesh again on July 28 and demanded Rs 10 lakh. However, he immediately informed the police about the incident, police said.

All accused policemen, including those absconding, were suspended from their respective posts.

“A team has been constituted to investigate the case and raids are being conducted at the hideouts of the absconding persons. They will be arrested soon. The accused, Neeraj and Rajender, are also posted at the Ghaziabad crime branch,” Yadav said.

Police said Rajeev Malik has been previously arrested for his alleged involvement in a similar case in Muzaffarnagar. He was inducted into the police force under the sports quota.

“We have recovered the laptops taken by the accused from Rupesh’s office. A case of extortion and robbery has been lodged against the accused at Sector 20 police station. Vikas and Rajiv were produced in the court and have been sent to jail,” he said.