Chennai: Chennai Police have arrested a head constable attached to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) office for allegedly posing as a member of the newly formed Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and attempting to extort ₹3.3 lakh from a businessman in north Chennai.
The accused has been identified as Ravivarman, 43, a resident of Kancheepuram district. He was posted in the computer section of the police headquarters.
Police Probe Uncovers Alleged Extortion Attempt
According to the police investigation, Ravivarman allegedly visited a plastic trading establishment in R.K. Nagar, Old Washermanpet, claiming that he had arrived to conduct a search based on information about suspected contraband.
During the alleged search, he reportedly found boxes containing gutkha, herbal medicines and ₹3.3 lakh in cash at the premises.
Police said the constable subsequently demanded money from the proprietor, Praveen Kumar, 44. When the businessman asked him to produce his identification, an argument reportedly broke out.
A neighbouring shopkeeper alerted the police, following which Ravivarman and Praveen Kumar were taken to Korukkupet Police Station for inquiry.
Businessman Allegedly Targeted Over Financial Dispute
During the investigation, police reportedly found that the alleged extortion attempt was linked to a separate financial dispute.
According to the police, another businessman, Keemaram, owed Praveen Kumar ₹6 lakh. Of this amount, ₹3 lakh had allegedly been sent to Praveen through an intermediary identified as Mangilal.
The police investigation has so far indicated that:
- Mangilal allegedly delivered the money to Praveen Kumar.
- Keemaram and Mangilal allegedly knew that cash was available with the businessman.
- Ravivarman was allegedly brought into the plan to threaten the businessman with police action.
- The head constable allegedly misused his position and posed as an ANTF officer to facilitate the alleged attempt to take the cash.
Police subsequently arrested Ravivarman and Mangilal in connection with the alleged extortion attempt.
The investigation is continuing to determine the roles of other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged conspiracy.
