Daijiworld Media Network - Ghazipur

Ghazipur, Apr 5: A gang posing as Income Tax officials has been busted in Uttar Pradesh after shopkeepers in Shadiyabad market exposed an extortion racket.

Three members of the gang were caught by traders and handed over to the police, while the alleged mastermind, Sars Kumar Gupta, managed to escape. Ghazipur City SP Rakesh Mishra confirmed the arrests and said teams have been formed to nab the absconding accused.

Shopkeepers from Shadiyabad and Saidpur markets had been facing harassment for several days, with the gang conducting fake “income tax raids” and threatening traders to extort money.

The matter came to light after traders approached Ikramul Haq, president of the Industrial Trade Board, expressing suspicion over the repeated raids.

During a subsequent attempt by the gang to intimidate shopkeepers, traders alerted police and managed to catch three members. Reports suggest the gang comprises around eight individuals, including a woman.

A complaint has been filed at the Shadiyabad police station, with traders demanding strict action against those involved.

Police are currently interrogating the arrested accused and probing the wider network, while efforts are underway to arrest the absconding kingpin.

Meanwhile, a photograph of the alleged mastermind with Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari has surfaced on social media, triggering reactions online.