Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, May 3: The Cyber Crime Cell of Patna Police has arrested two brothers for allegedly impersonating top Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and using the name of a retired IAS officer to extort money from prominent individuals, including doctors, in Bihar’s capital.

The accused, identified as Ranjeet Kumar and Rajesh Kumar, residents of Sultanpur in Danapur, were arrested following a swift operation launched after a complaint by a doctor in Patna, officials said on Saturday.

According to DIG Sanjay Kumar of the Economic Offences Unit (EOU), the duo posed as senior ED officers and invoked the name of retired IAS officer Karu Ram to intimidate their targets and demand bribes under the threat of fabricated raids.

“They had already duped at least 10 people, using the same modus operandi. Their latest target was a well-known doctor from a reputed hospital near Saguna Mod. They demanded Rs 2 lac while threatening the doctor with a fake ED raid,” said DIG Kumar.

Fortunately, the doctor reported the extortion attempt to the EOU, which alerted the Cyber Cell. Acting swiftly, police arrested both men on May 2.

During the arrest, the police recovered two basic mobile phones, one smartphone, and a fake press card used in their operations. The accused confessed to their involvement in at least ten such fraud cases.

A formal case has been registered with the Economic Offences Unit, and the properties owned by the duo are now under scrutiny for possible attachment under relevant legal provisions.

DIG Kumar said that the accused relied on fear tactics and impersonation to swindle large sums of money. “The investigation is being expanded to trace more victims and potential accomplices. The seized mobile phones have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis,” he added.

Further interrogation is ongoing, with joint efforts by the Cyber Crime Cell and the EOU continuing to uncover the full extent of the racket.