Student Poses as Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Member to Extort Rs 30 Lakh, Arrested
In a brazen case of impersonation, a 22-year-old college student was arrested by Delhi Police for posing as a member of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang and attempting to extort Rs 30 lakh from a businessman. The accused, Rahul Verma (name changed), allegedly used the gang’s feared reputation to threaten the victim with dire consequences unless the money was paid.
How the Extortion Scheme Unfolded
Police reports reveal that Rahul Verma contacted a Delhi-based businessman via phone and WhatsApp, claiming to be a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi. He sent menacing messages, warning of “serious consequences” if the payment wasn’t made and even shared a fake UPI payment link to appear legitimate.
The victim, initially terrified, later grew suspicious and alerted the Delhi Cyber Crime Unit. A sting operation was set up, leading to Rahul’s arrest when he arrived to collect the money.
Police Investigation & Confession
During interrogation, Rahul admitted to meticulously planning the extortion after studying the Bishnoi gang’s notorious activities. He used a fake WhatsApp number and impersonated a gang member to intimidate the victim.
Police recovered his mobile phone, containing the threatening messages, and traced the fraudulent UPI account used in the scam. Investigations confirmed no actual links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang—Rahul was acting alone.
Why Criminals Use Gang Names for Extortion?
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has become synonymous with high-profile crimes, including the murder of Sidhu Moosewala. Its name alone instills fear, making it a tool for impersonators. Cybercrime experts warn that such scams are rising, with fraudsters leveraging gang affiliations to intimidate victims.
Legal Action & Possible Punishment
Rahul Verma faces multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC):
– Section 384 (Extortion)
– Section 419 (Cheating by Personation)
– Section 503 (Criminal Intimidation)
– Section 66D of the IT Act (Cheating via Computer Resource)
If convicted, he could face years in prison due to the severity of the case.
Delhi Police Advisory: How to Stay Safe
To prevent falling prey to such scams, the Delhi Police advises:
✔ Verify threats – Always report extortion calls to law enforcement.
✔ Never share financial details – Avoid disclosing sensitive info to unknown callers.
✔ Report immediately – Contact cybercrime units if threatened.
Rising Trend of Gang Name Misuse
This case highlights an alarming trend where criminals impersonate gang members to extort money. Similar scams have been reported in Punjab, Haryana, and Maharashtra, with fraudsters falsely claiming ties to gangs like Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, or Dawood Ibrahim.
Final Word: A Warning to Criminals & Public
Rahul Verma’s arrest serves as a cautionary tale—both for would-be criminals and potential victims. While police crack down on such scams, public vigilance remains crucial.
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