Senior Police Officers Arrested in Assam After Businessman Alleges Illegal Detention and Extortion Plot

New Delhi, Sep 05, 2023: In a shocking turn of events, three senior police officers and six others have been arrested in Assam’s Bajali district following allegations made by a businessman, Rabiul Islam. Islam claimed he was unlawfully detained and threatened with death unless he paid ₹5 crore. He was accused of having “links with Pakistani and Bangladeshi jihadi elements.”

Among those arrested is Siddhartha Buragohan, the former superintendent of Bajali police, who had recently been transferred. Other detained officers include deputy police superintendent Pushkal Gogoi and additional police superintendent Gayatri Sonowal, along with her husband, Subhas Chander. Sub-Inspector Debajit Giri, constable Injamamul Hassan, Kishore Baruah, and police drivers Nabir Ahmed and Dipjoy Kalita were also taken into custody.

The case came to light when an FIR was filed on August 31 based on Islam’s complaint, which was deemed credible. Assam’s police chief, G. P. Singh, emphasized the commitment to taking action against corruption.

The accused face charges of attempted murder, extortion, criminal intimidation, wrongful confinement, and criminal conspiracy.

Islam detailed his ordeal, alleging that police entered his home in the early hours of July 16 without a warrant. He claimed he was assaulted, interrogated, and falsely implicated in drug and cash-related matters. He stated that he was coerced into paying ₹10 lakh in cash and providing 21 cheques for ₹10 lakh each. The businessman further asserted that he was threatened with an “encounter” if he didn’t pay an additional ₹2.5 crore.

Police superintendent Pranabjyoti Goswami indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that further charges may be added. Searches were conducted at the residences of those arrested, and some properties have been sealed.