Head constable, associates booked for extortion racket targeting students in Bengaluru

A shocking case of alleged police misconduct has surfaced in the city, where a head constable and his associates have been booked for running an extortion racket targeting college students by threatening them with false drug cases.

According to the police, an FIR has been registered against a head constable attached to the Sanjaynagar Police Station, his associate Shiv Sagar, and another accused identified as Puneeth. The case came to light following a complaint filed by Thomas G. Kolath, a resident of Varthur.

As per the complaint, the accused would pose as police officials and target young college students, particularly those staying alone. Victims were allegedly picked up on the pretext of being involved in drug consumption or peddling cases and brought near the police station.

The complainant stated that on March 7, he received a call from a person claiming to be from Mahalakshmi Layout Police Station, asking him to come to the station regarding a known person allegedly caught in a drug case. When he reached the location, he found several youths detained. The accused then allegedly demanded ₹4 lakh to release the person. After negotiations, ₹3 lakh was paid, following which the individual was let off.

The complaint further revealed that the accused continued to threaten him and others, repeatedly demanding money by claiming to be police personnel. Victims were allegedly assaulted, falsely implicated in drug cases, and coerced into paying money.

Investigations also indicate that the accused, along with local rowdies, targeted multiple college students, using intimidation tactics such as physical assault, planting drugs, and forcing them into illegal confinement.

Based on the complaint, a case has been registered, and the head constable has been taken into custody. Police officials said the accused persons have been produced before a court, and further investigation is under way to identify other victims and the possible involvement of additional personnel.

Senior police officers have assured strict action against those involved and have stated that such incidents will be dealt with firmly to maintain the public’s trust in the police system.