Ramanagara: A serious allegation of police extortion has emerged from Kanakapura, where a local resident has filed a complaint accusing a Channapatna police officer of forcibly detaining him and extorting money under the pretext of closing a non-existent case.
The complainant, Rajesh, who runs a juice centre near the Sub-Registrar Office in Kanakapura, has submitted a written complaint to the Home Minister and senior officials of the Police Department seeking strict action.
According to Rajesh, Police Sub-Inspector Harish of Channapatna Town Police Station allegedly called him on October 29, 2025, claiming that an FIR had been registered against him. He stated that the PSI threatened him over the phone and forcibly brought him to Channapatna.
Rajesh alleged that his mobile phone was seized, he was taken to a hospital for a medical check-up, and then held at the police station. During this period, PSI Harish allegedly demanded money in exchange for dropping the “case.”
In his complaint, Rajesh stated that he was forced to transfer ₹50,000 through PhonePe to three individuals working at a Channapatna petrol bunk. Additionally, the officer allegedly snatched ₹1,00,000 in cash from him.
Rajesh claimed that the PSI insisted he return the next morning to pay an additional ₹10,000 to the staff. He was also instructed to provide a computer and monitor to the station if he wanted the matter closed.
When Rajesh visited the police station on October 30, PSI Harish allegedly summoned a cashier from a local petrol bunk and made Rajesh transfer ₹10,000 via PhonePe in front of them. He was then warned not to disclose the incident to anyone. If he did, Rajesh claims the PSI threatened to reopen the case and take further action.
Rajesh further alleged that he was unlawfully detained despite there being no complaint filed against him. He claimed that the PSI and the staff acted with the sole intention of extorting money through intimidation, saying their conduct was no different from that of “robbers.” He questioned how the public could feel safe if those meant to protect citizens engaged in such misconduct.
The serious allegations have sparked concern about police accountability in Ramanagara district. Rajesh has urged authorities to conduct a high-level inquiry and take stringent action against the officer involved.
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