A Delhi Police constable has been accused of kidnapping a shopkeeper and attempting to extort money from his family (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: A Delhi Police constable and two associates have been accused of abducting a shopkeeper in the Red Fort area and demanding money from his family. Police arrested two suspects near New Delhi railway station on Sunday night and rescued the victim, officials said.
According to police, the accused have been identified as constable Moin Ali, his childhood friend Sonu and their associate Akhtar. The trio allegedly planned to target a shopkeeper operating in Ghadi Market near Lal Quila.
Investigators said Sonu, who also runs a shop in the market, knew that the victim had recently recorded good sales. He allegedly saw the shopkeeper as a target for extortion and told Ali that they could extract Rs 5 lakh from him.
Also Read: Rajasthan Blast: Explosives-Laden Pickup Truck Explodes in Bhilwara , One Dead
Police said the accused approached the shopkeeper on Sunday morning, lured him towards a car and allegedly forced him inside. They then took him to different locations while attempting to extort money from his family.
According to officers, Ali allegedly contacted the victim's family members and a friend, asking them to transfer the money. The demand was subsequently negotiated to Rs 2-3 lakh.
However, the victim's friend refused to comply with the demand and alerted the police control room (PCR). A complaint was filed on Sunday evening, following which police teams began tracing the accused.
Also Read: Three Accused in Tiger Shroff Firing Case Presented Before Judge
Police subsequently arranged a meeting near New Delhi railway station under the pretext of collecting the money. When Ali and his associates arrived, officers apprehended two suspects. By that time, the victim had been released and had returned home safely.
During the investigation, police established that Ali was posted as a constable with the North Delhi cyber cell. He and Sonu are being questioned in connection with the alleged kidnapping and extortion attempt.
Police said Ali has been suspended from service and sent to jail. Investigators are continuing their efforts to trace and arrest the third accused, Akhtar, and establish the full sequence of events.
