Surat Man Dies Following Harassment by Impersonators Posing as Police
A tragic incident in Surat has resulted in the death of a 42-year-old computer operator, allegedly after he was harassed by individuals pretending to be police officers. The victim, identified as Urvish Modi, was a resident of Dahod and worked for a private company. The event unfolded near Rahadpor Road in Bharuch, where Modi was riding his moped with his wife when the confrontation occurred.
Details of the Harassment and Collapse
According to family statements, four men on two-wheelers intercepted the couple. These individuals were wearing khaki trousers and claimed to be police personnel. They allegedly began questioning Modi about a damaged number plate on his vehicle and demanded money from him. Modi, who had a pre-existing heart condition, pleaded with them, explaining that he was unwell and requested to be let go. Despite his appeals, the harassment reportedly continued, leading to Modi collapsing on the road.
Local residents quickly responded, rushing him to a private hospital. Unfortunately, he passed away en route. The Bharuch A Division police have registered an accidental death case and initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Police Investigation and Family Allegations
Police Inspector R M Vasava provided updates on the case, noting that CCTV footage from the area shows the four men approaching and speaking with the couple. "We are in the process of identifying these individuals and verifying whether they had any authorization from a bank or agency," Vasava stated. He emphasized that if the family's allegations are substantiated, a formal offense will be registered against the accused.
Modi's wife, who works as a school employee, shared distressing details with authorities. She alleged that the family had been subjected to harassment over the past three months by men posing as both policemen and bank recovery agents. "We repeatedly informed them that we have no pending loans, but they persisted, eventually demanding money over the damaged number plate," she recounted, highlighting the ongoing nature of the intimidation.
Broader Concerns in the Community
This incident has raised alarms among local residents, who claim that imposters masquerading as police or recovery agents have been actively extorting money from motorists in the city. Reports suggest that such individuals engage in mental harassment, exploiting minor infractions like damaged number plates to demand payments. The community is calling for increased vigilance and stricter enforcement to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities and verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be officials. The case underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect citizens from fraudulent practices that can have devastating consequences.
