A man posing as a police trainee was arrested in Mettupalayam for extorting Rs. 500 from a two-wheeler rider during a fake vehicle check. The incident occurred late at night on Mettupalayam-Annur Road.
Coimbatore: In a shocking incident, a man impersonating a police trainee was arrested for extorting money from a two-wheeler rider in Mettupalayam, Coimbatore district. The accused, identified as Prakash (40), son of Rangasamy from Karumadai Periya Thottipalaiyam area, was caught after the victim reported the incident to the local police.
The incident occurred late Thursday night when Periyasamy, a daily wage worker from Karattumedu near Mettupalayam, was returning home on his two-wheeler after watching a movie at a theater on Mettupalayam-Annur Road. Prakash, posing as a police trainee, stopped Periyasamy for a supposed vehicle check and demanded to see his documents.
Prakash then threatened Periyasamy, saying he would file a case against him unless he paid Rs. 500 as a bribe. Fearing consequences, Periyasamy complied with the demand. However, as he continued his journey, he noticed genuine police personnel stationed at another location on the road.
Suspecting foul play, Periyasamy approached the real police officers and narrated the incident. Realizing he had been duped by a fake policeman, Periyasamy filed a formal complaint at the Mettupalayam Police Station.
Acting on the complaint, the police launched an investigation and identified the culprit as Prakash, who runs a puncture repair shop. He was subsequently arrested for impersonating a police officer and extorting money.
Following his arrest, Prakash was produced before a local court and remanded to custody at Coimbatore Central Prison. The incident has raised concerns about public safety and the need for vigilance against such fraudulent activities.
Local authorities have urged citizens to be cautious and verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be police officers, especially during late-night hours. They have also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station promptly.
The incident occurred late Thursday night when Periyasamy, a daily wage worker from Karattumedu near Mettupalayam, was returning home on his two-wheeler after watching a movie at a theater on Mettupalayam-Annur Road. Prakash, posing as a police trainee, stopped Periyasamy for a supposed vehicle check and demanded to see his documents.
Prakash then threatened Periyasamy, saying he would file a case against him unless he paid Rs. 500 as a bribe. Fearing consequences, Periyasamy complied with the demand. However, as he continued his journey, he noticed genuine police personnel stationed at another location on the road.
Suspecting foul play, Periyasamy approached the real police officers and narrated the incident. Realizing he had been duped by a fake policeman, Periyasamy filed a formal complaint at the Mettupalayam Police Station.
Acting on the complaint, the police launched an investigation and identified the culprit as Prakash, who runs a puncture repair shop. He was subsequently arrested for impersonating a police officer and extorting money.
Following his arrest, Prakash was produced before a local court and remanded to custody at Coimbatore Central Prison. The incident has raised concerns about public safety and the need for vigilance against such fraudulent activities.
Local authorities have urged citizens to be cautious and verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be police officers, especially during late-night hours. They have also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station promptly.