Police have arrested four real estate agents. They were looting people disguised as CCB cops
Police have arrested four real estate agents who were looting black money hoarders in disguise of CCB cops. The police have seized ₹ 26.49 lakh from them.
Ramesh (33), Rupesh alias Kumar (37), Puttaraju (47) and Mutturaya Shetty (42) have been arrested. City Police Commissioner Praveen Sood, in a press meet, said the police have seized old currency notes worth ₹ 17.49 lakhs, new currencies worth ₹9 lakhs, a car and a scooter.
Many cheating cases were reported in the media after the announcement of demonetisation. The police sources say that the accused were inspired by such reports and plotted to make easy money.
The four accused started spreading gossip among their friends and acquaintances that they’ll exchange old currency notes for 25% commission. Consequently Anand, an advocate met the accused through Tanuja, a common friend. Anand agreed to pay them the commission and scheduled a date and place for the money exchange.
As per the plan, Anand met the accused in Basavanagudi on January 13. Two of the accused, Ramesh and Rupesh, took him in a car along with the money he had brought.
After a few minutes the other two disguised as City Crime Branch (CCB) police, barricaded the car and told they have got information regarding illegal money exchange. They searched the car and seized the money, asking Anand to visit Basavanagudi police station and take back the money only after producing relevant documents. The other two along him then refused to accompany Anand to police station, escaping from the spot.
Anand did not approach the police fearing they may file charges against him for hoarding money illegally. However, his friends and family members persuaded him to file a complaint. When he approached the CCB on 1 February, the CCB police told that no raid had taken place in their jurisdiction on 13 January.
The police then interrogated Tanuja, the common friend. Based on the mobile phone CDR (Call Detail Record) detail, the police caught all four accused and seized the money. The police are still investigating the role of Tanuja in this case.
