Bhubaneswar: Chandrasekharpur police arrested eight persons for allegedly impersonating CID officers and cheating owners of private educational institutions and businesses in capital.
The accused were nabbed outside a private educational institution under the Chandrasekharpur police limits on Thursday while they were trying to extort money. Dressed in proper attire and presenting themselves as genuine CID officials, the gang would enter schools, colleges, and commercial establishments. They claimed to be conducting inspections and pointed out alleged irregularities to demand cash from the owners and managers.
According to police, the group targeted not only educational institutions but also large business establishments. They used the fake CID identity to create fear and collect money under the pretext of overlooking violations. The incident came to light when the accused were seen demanding money from the owner of a private coaching centre in Chandrasekharpur.
Acting swiftly, police reached the spot and arrested all eight on the spot. They have been forwarded to court.
Police said similar cases of fake officials cheating people have been reported in the past, and several imposters have been arrested earlier. However, such incidents continue to occur across the state.
