Fake crime branch officer held for extorting ₹40,000 in Ahmedabad

Naroda police have arrested a 32-year-old man who allegedly impersonated a Crime Branch officer and extorted ₹40,000 from an autorickshaw driver by threatening him with false criminal cases. The entire amount has been recovered, police said on Wednesday.

The accused has been identified as Mohammad Shahrukh, son of Mohammad Hussain Abdulkader Ansari, a resident of Rakhial and currently living in a rented accommodation near Bibi Lake in Ahmedabad. He works as a rickshaw driver.

According to the police, the incident occurred on December 28, 2025, near Bhagyodaya Division-2 at Naroda Junction. The complainant, Ganeshbhai Attandhavbhai Madrasi (36), was standing with his autorickshaw when the accused approached him in another rickshaw and introduced himself as an officer of the Ahmedabad City Crime Branch.

Police said the accused briefly flashed an identity card, accused the complainant of carrying liquor, and demanded vehicle documents, including insurance and PUC certificates. When the complainant failed to produce the documents, the accused allegedly threatened him with severe legal action and life imprisonment, and demanded ₹40,000 to “settle” the matter.

Out of fear, the complainant was forcibly taken to a nearby ATM near the Naroda Sutar Factory, where he withdrew ₹40,000 and handed it over to the accused. Shocked and frightened, the complainant initially did not report the incident. He later approached Naroda Police Station after discussing the matter with his family.

Acting on specific intelligence, a team led by Police Inspector PV Gohil, along with other officers, laid a trap near Naroda Dhanushdhari Temple and apprehended the accused while he was moving on foot. During questioning, the accused confessed to the crime, following which the extorted cash was recovered in full.

A case has been registered under Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and further investigation is underway.

Police said the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases previously registered against him at Khokhra, Maninagar, Amraiwadi, Odhav and Rakhial police stations, including offences related to impersonation, theft, assault and extortion.

Naroda police have urged citizens to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a police officer and to report suspicious behaviour to the nearest police station immediately.