Fake Income Tax Officers Caught Trying to Dupe UP Traders

A gang pretending to be Income Tax officials has been caught in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district after shopkeepers exposed their extortion attempt.

The incident took place in Shadiyabad market, where traders had been complaining for several days about fake “income tax raids“. The gang members would enter shops, pose as officials, threaten the shopkeepers, and demand large sums of money.

Suspicion grew when traders in Shadiyabad and Saidpur markets discussed the raids among themselves. They informed Ikramul Haq, president of the Industrial Trade Board, about the issue after noticing suspicious behaviour by the so-called officers.

When the gang tried to carry out another fake raid, alert shopkeepers informed the police and managed to catch three members on the spot. They were later handed over to the police. According to reports, the gang has eight members, including one woman.

Ghazipur City SP Rakesh Mishra confirmed the arrests and said special teams have been formed to catch the mastermind, identified as Sars Kumar Gupta, who is currently absconding.

Local traders have lodged a complaint at Shadiyabad police station, demanding strict action and a detailed investigation.

Simultaneously, a photo of the alleged mastermind Gupta with Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari has surfaced on social media, triggering strong reactions online.

Police are questioning the arrested individuals and trying to determine whether more people are involved in the scam.