Agra Police Officers Suspended in Land Compensation Extortion Scandal
In a shocking case of corruption and exploitation, a sub-inspector and a constable from the Agra police force have been suspended for their alleged involvement in a honey-trapping and extortion racket targeting a 70-year-old farmer. The victim, Jagdish Singh, had recently received a substantial compensation of Rs 3.15 crore after his land was acquired by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited.
Farmer's Ordeal and Police Complicity
The incident unfolded on January 31, when Singh was lured to Mathura by a woman he had been in contact with for three years. He was taken to a rented room where an objectionable video was recorded without his consent. According to police reports, two policemen—Sub-Inspector Kapil Kumar and Constable Rakesh—then detained him until evening and threatened to implicate him in a false rape case unless he paid Rs 5 lakh.
Under duress, Singh paid Rs 1 lakh and was forced to leave his car at the gram pradhan's house as security for the remaining amount. When the accused demanded the balance of Rs 4 lakh the following day and threatened to retain his vehicle, Singh courageously approached the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Agra Zone, Anupam Kulshreshtha, on Wednesday.
Internal Probe and FIR Registration
Following Singh's complaint, an internal investigation was immediately initiated, leading to the suspension of the implicated officers. An FIR was registered the next day at the Farah police station in Mathura. The complaint also revealed that the woman and her associate had previously extorted approximately Rs 12 lakh from Singh after learning about his compensation windfall.
Mathura Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar ordered a thorough probe and the registration of the FIR against five accused: the woman, identified as Sapna; Shyam Jat; Khoobiram, the gram pradhan of Ol village; Constable Rakesh; and Sub-Inspector Kapil Kumar. They have been charged under BNS Sections 127(2) for wrongful confinement, 308 for extortion, and 61(2) for criminal conspiracy.
Current Status and Ongoing Investigation
Police authorities have confirmed that all the accused are currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend them. The case has highlighted severe lapses in police integrity and the vulnerability of individuals receiving large compensations. Further investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and ensure justice for the victim.
This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability within law enforcement agencies to prevent such abuses of power and protect citizens from exploitation.
