Meerut: A case that will shake the police department has come to light in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. Two inspectors posted at Lohiyanagar police station here have been accused of kidnapping a thread merchant. Then they put a pistol in his mouth and extorted Rs 20 lakh. On the orders of SSP Avinash Pandey, a case has been registered against both the accused inspectors under serious sections of corruption and extortion.
The incident came to light when businessman Rasikh, resident of Lisadi Gate, narrated his ordeal. According to the complaint, Sub Inspector (SI) Lokendra Sahu and Mahesh Kumar threatened to implicate the businessman in a false case. It is alleged that the policemen held the businessman hostage in his car and threatened him with a ‘fake encounter’ by shooting him in the leg. Under threat of death, Rs 20 lakh was recovered from the businessman.
The businessman alleges that the inspectors had put a pistol in his mouth and told him to give the money, otherwise they will kill him here. When the victim later asked for his money back, the officers threatened him that it was hawala money. If you ask for this, you will lose your life.
The surprising thing is that as soon as the case was registered at Lisadi Gate police station on 10 February 2026, both the inspectors absconded overnight. According to sources, seeing that he was trapped, the inspectors also returned Rs 15 lakh to the businessman, but to avoid legal action, he is now out of police custody. This incident was originally reported to have happened on December 8, 2025, on which action has now been taken.
Seeing the seriousness of the matter, Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey has made it clear that corruption and hooliganism will not be tolerated in the police department. He told – On the complaint of the yarn trader, an FIR has been registered against both the inspectors under sections of BNS and Prevention of Corruption Act. Teams have been formed to arrest the absconding accused. Those who commit crimes under the guise of khaki will not be spared.
At present both the inspectors are absconding as per police records. Meerut Police is conducting raids in search of these tainted officers from their own community. This incident has once again raised big questions on the functioning of the police.
