In a troubling incident highlighting the rising misuse of trust and authority, law enforcement authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Bhadohi district have registered a case against a man accused of impersonating a police officer and defrauding the parents of a missing minor girl. The alleged scam involved the man claiming to conduct a medical examination of the girl, who remains missing, and extorting a sum of ₹12,000 from her family under false pretences.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhimanyu Manglik confirmed on Friday that the case is being actively investigated and reiterated the police department’s commitment to recovering the girl safely and taking strict action against those responsible.

The Background of the Incident

The victim in this case is a 17-year-old girl residing in a locality under the jurisdiction of the Gyanpur police station in Bhadohi district. According to police reports, the girl was abducted on October 27 while she was on her way to a coaching centre. The alleged abductor, identified as Sanjay Yadav, is currently the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation. Following the abduction, the girl’s family immediately approached the authorities, and a formal case of kidnapping was registered on November 1.

SP Manglik noted that the initial stages of the investigation have revealed disturbing developments. The family alleged that after the filing of the FIR, certain individuals recorded videos of the girl under duress and sent them to the mother’s mobile phone. These videos reportedly depicted the girl in a state of distress, heightening the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Such acts have amplified the family’s anxiety, placing immense emotional pressure on them as they navigate the legal and investigative processes.

The Impersonation and Financial Fraud

The case took a more complicated turn when the family alleged that they were contacted by a person claiming to be a crime branch officer. This individual told the girl’s mother that her daughter had been found and demanded ₹12,000 for conducting a medical examination to verify her condition. Believing the caller to be a legitimate law enforcement officer, the girl’s father paid the requested amount online. Despite the payment, the girl has not been located, leading the family to conclude that they had been duped by someone exploiting their vulnerable state.

Authorities have pointed out that impersonation of a police officer is a serious offense under Indian law, as it undermines public trust in law enforcement institutions and endangers the lives of vulnerable individuals. In this case, the impersonator’s actions not only exploited the family’s fear and desperation but also compounded the trauma of the girl’s ongoing disappearance.

Allegations of Influence and Conflict of Interest

The girl’s family has raised additional concerns about potential local influence affecting the investigation. They claimed that the alleged abductor, Sanjay Yadav, is the son of Suryabhan Yadav, who serves as a Home Guard at the Gyanpur police station. The family suggested that this connection might be causing delays in the recovery process, potentially compromising the impartiality of the investigation.

While these allegations have not been substantiated, they have been taken seriously by law enforcement authorities. SP Manglik assured that the investigation is being conducted under strict supervision, with oversight to prevent any undue influence or delay. Both the Cyber Crime Police Station and the Gyanpur Police Station have been directed to coordinate closely and ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry into all aspects of the case.

Legal Action and Registration of the Case

Following the complaint lodged by the girl’s mother, a case has been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (B.N.S.) and the Information Technology (IT) Act. These provisions cover crimes such as impersonation, fraud, and extortion using digital means, reflecting the modern complexities of criminal activity that often involve both physical and online components.

The SP highlighted that the case involves both the abduction of a minor and the subsequent financial fraud, necessitating a multi-pronged investigative approach. Law enforcement agencies are treating the matter with utmost priority, recognizing the urgency of locating the missing girl and preventing further harm.

Investigation Strategy and Next Steps

Authorities have indicated that the ongoing investigation will focus on multiple dimensions. First, they are tracing the communications and transactions made by the impersonator to identify the source and potential accomplices. Digital forensics teams will examine phone records, online payment trails, and any electronic evidence that could lead to the recovery of the funds or provide information about the girl’s whereabouts.

Simultaneously, conventional investigative measures are being employed. These include questioning neighbors, witnesses, and anyone who may have seen the girl on the day of her disappearance. Police are also canvassing the area for CCTV footage that could shed light on her abduction and provide leads on the movements of the alleged abductor.

Given the family’s concerns about potential local influence, the SP has emphasized coordination between the Cyber Crime Police Station and Gyanpur Police Station to ensure accountability and transparency. Regular updates are expected to be shared with senior district authorities to monitor progress and prevent any lapses in the investigation.

Community and Public Response

The case has raised significant concern in the local community, highlighting broader issues regarding the safety of minors and the risks of fraud targeting distressed families. Impersonation of police officers is a particularly serious issue in India, as it erodes public trust in the police and can lead to grave consequences when criminals exploit fear and urgency.

Community members have urged the authorities to act swiftly and decisively, not only to locate the missing girl but also to deter similar criminal attempts in the future. Public awareness campaigns and advisories have been recommended to educate families about the potential risks of responding to unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers.

SP Manglik’s Statement and Assurance

In his public statement, SP Manglik expressed deep concern over the incident and assured the family and community that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safe recovery of the girl. He stated, “Both the Cyber Crime Police Station and Gyanpur Police Station have been instructed to investigate the case thoroughly and leave no stone unturned. Strict action will be taken against whoever is found guilty.”

The SP emphasized that the investigation would cover both the abduction and the online fraud aspect of the case. He also noted that the police department is fully aware of the potential complications arising from allegations of influence due to the accused’s family connections and is taking measures to maintain transparency and impartiality.

Legal Implications

Under Indian law, impersonating a police officer is a criminal offense punishable under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections related to cheating, criminal intimidation, and impersonation. When such acts involve digital communication or online payments, provisions of the Information Technology Act also apply, allowing authorities to pursue cybercrime charges in addition to conventional criminal proceedings.

The combination of abduction and fraud complicates the legal landscape, requiring coordinated efforts between cybercrime specialists, local police, and senior district officials to ensure justice and recovery of the victim. The case also underscores the need for vigilance among citizens to avoid falling victim to similar schemes.

Conclusion

The Bhadohi case represents a disturbing intersection of abduction, impersonation, and financial fraud, highlighting the vulnerability of families in crisis situations. It underscores the importance of swift and transparent police action, digital forensics, and community awareness to prevent exploitation.

Authorities have committed to a thorough investigation, involving both the Cyber Crime Police Station and Gyanpur Police Station, with senior oversight to ensure impartiality. The public and the girl’s family are awaiting updates, hopeful that law enforcement will locate the missing girl and bring those responsible to justice. Meanwhile, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of fraud and impersonation, emphasizing the need for families to verify claims and approach official channels directly when dealing with sensitive situations involving missing children.