Five individuals have been taken into custody for allegedly impersonating Goods and Services Tax (GST) officials and extorting Rs 29 lakh from a consultant in Noida. Reports from police indicate that the suspects reportedly intercepted the victim’s vehicle on July 20 and threatened him with false accusations of e-way bill violations involving two companies.

During the confrontation, the accused purportedly demanded a sum of Rs 29 lakh and subsequently fled after the victim’s brother brought the money in cash. The operation, which unfolded near the S Aspire Society, involved the perpetrators blocking the consultant’s car with their own vehicle.

Central Noida Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shailendra Kumar Singh confirmed the arrest and stated that the authorities recovered the complete extorted amount, which included Rs 24.50 lakh in cash and jewellery valued at Rs 4.50 lakh. Additionally, two vehicles, uniforms, and mobile phones allegedly linked to the crime were seized.

Details of the Incident Emerge

As per the police account, the consultant was reportedly on his way to attend a meeting with his pet dog and a laptop when he encountered the suspects. They allegedly forced their way into his vehicle, posing as GST officials, and began issuing threats regarding the purportedly fraudulent e-way bills.

The suspects allegedly warned the consultant that he could face incarceration connected to the alleged GST violations, which intensified the fear and urgency to comply with their demands for money. The investigation revealed that one of the main suspects, identified as Kashish Chauhan, reportedly had prior knowledge of the victim, having known him since 2021.

Chauhan was believed to be aware of the victim’s involvement in GST work, which the suspects leveraged to target him effectively. Police noted that during the incident, the accused had also donned uniforms resembling those of a police sub-inspector and personnel from Delhi Civil Defence.

Identification and Recovery of Stolen Items

The five individuals arrested in connection with this case were identified as Kashish Chauhan, Rajesh Pawar, Vivek Sharma, Ankit Shahi, and Anshul. According to police records, Chauhan is employed as a Driver-cum-Pump Operator at Yashobhoomi in Dwarka, Delhi, while Pawar is affiliated with Delhi Civil Defence. Sharma reportedly has a history of employment at Escort, Manesar, Ballabhgarh.

Police asserted that none of the apprehended suspects are official law enforcement personnel. They were located and arrested based on surveillance, eyewitness accounts, and CCTV footage. The arrests took place near the ISKCON temple on Jalpur Road.

Following the apprehension, police confirmed the full recovery of Rs 29 lakh, the vehicles used during the extortion, the uniforms worn by the suspects, and seven mobile devices believed to have been used in the commission of the crime. Investigations into the prior criminal records of the accused are ongoing.

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