Ahmedabad: In a recent incident, an elderly couple from Vadodara was allegedly stopped by plainclothes policemen near Adani Circle on Ring Road, who reportedly extorted around Rs 12,000 from them.

The incident occurred on November 5 when the couple returned from Vietnam. After landing at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the couple, along with two other individuals, was traveling to Vadodara in a taxi when they were stopped by police personnel near Adani Circle, which falls under the jurisdiction of Ramol Police Station. The officers found bottles of foreign liquor in the couple’s bag, and despite the man presenting a valid liquor permit, the police reportedly extorted Rs 12,000 and some foreign currency from them. The officers also seized four bottles of foreign liquor from the couple.

Shaken by the experience, the couple returned to Vadodara and informed a relative in Ahmedabad, who visited Ramol Police Station on November 6 to report the matter but was unsuccessful in getting assistance. Later that night, the officers allegedly contacted the relative, offering to return the money and liquor bottles in exchange for settling the matter quietly.

The following day, the officers called again, and the relative recorded the conversation. “We hope senior officials take strict action against those responsible,” the relative stated.

In the recorded conversation, the relative confronts a police officer about extorting cash and foreign currency from the couple, despite their valid liquor permit. The officer admits to taking Rs 10,000 but denies taking more, claiming that only two liquor bottles were seized and later returned, though the relative insists four bottles were taken. The relative expresses frustration over the officers’ alleged threats of a hefty court fine and asks for the in-charge’s identity, with the officer naming Khuman Singh. When the officer suggests a private settlement, the relative declines, questioning the need for extortion given the valid permit.

It is reported that officers Khumansingh, Narpatsingh alias Alpesh, and another unidentified officer were involved in the incident. DCP Baldev Desai confirmed that an investigation is underway, led by the ACP of Division I. “Legal action will be taken against those found responsible at the conclusion of the inquiry,” he said. DeshGujarat