“Fake GST Raid Busted!” Traders Catch Extortion Gang Posing as Officials in Ghazipur

In a major expose in Shadiabad town of Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district, local traders caught a gang posing as Income Tax and GST officials who were allegedly extorting money from shopkeepers.

The incident took place on Thursday evening when the gang arrived in a four-wheeler and began targeting local businesses, claiming to be officials from Lucknow. They first approached Sitaram Grocery Store and allegedly demanded ₹50,000, later settling for ₹10,000 after repeated pleading. They then extorted ₹3,000 from another shop and demanded ₹30,000 at a third store.

Suspicion arose when the accused gave inconsistent answers during questioning at Srinivas Grocery Store. As tensions grew, local traders gathered and confronted them. Amid the chaos, the gang leader, identified as Saras Gupta, managed to escape from the spot.

Police were alerted and reached the scene, detaining seven individuals, including a woman. The accused have been identified as Anil Kumar (Varanasi), Sadanand Prasad (Sadat), Pramod Kumar (Yusufpur), Ravi Patel (Varanasi), Deva Patel (Varanasi), Sanket Gupta (Muhammadabad), and Sushila Gupta (Yusufpur). Their vehicle, an Innova Crysta, has also been seized.

Police said the gang used fake identity cards and threats of legal action, including heavy fines and jail, to intimidate traders into paying money. Preliminary investigation suggests the accused had been involved in similar activities earlier as well.

Based on a complaint by the shopkeeper, a case has been registered and efforts are underway to arrest the absconding kingpin, Saras Gupta.

The incident triggered anger among traders, with a large crowd gathering at the spot as the accused were handed over to police.

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