Hyderabad Extortion Case: SIT Probes Arjun Kumar Gang, Secures Three-Day Remand
A Special Investigation Team in Hyderabad is probing a criminal gang accused of extorting minors and women from wealthy families. Law enforcement has arrested nine members, with the prime accused's brother currently under police remand as forensics analyze seized evidence.
Highlights
- •A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing a criminal gang in Hyderabad accused of extorting affluent families.
- •Rajeev Kumar, brother of prime accused Arjun Kumar, has been remanded to three-day police custody.
- •Investigators are analyzing a recovered mobile device for sensitive data used in the extortion schemes.
- •Nine members of the gang, including the prime suspect, have been arrested under a POCSO case.
Authorities in Hyderabad have escalated their investigation into an extortion ring targeting vulnerable individuals. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently spearheading the probe into the criminal activities of the gang led by Koduri Chandrashekhar Azad, who is also known as Arjun Kumar. This organized group is accused of systematically trapping and extorting significant sums of money from minors, young women, and girls from affluent households.
The SIT has secured a three-day police remand for the brother of the prime accused, identified as Rajeev Kumar. He was apprehended by law enforcement officials in Bengaluru. Investigators have successfully recovered a mobile device from Rajeev Kumar, which is believed to have been utilized as a tool for trapping victims and facilitating extortion. Cyber security experts and forensic teams are now working to recover sensitive data from the device, including photographs, private chats, and videos that the gang allegedly used for their illicit operations.
Extortion Case Details and Investigations
The Hyderabad extortion case came to light following a formal complaint lodged by the mother of one of the victims. The investigation has expanded significantly since Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar ordered the formation of the exclusive SIT to handle the matter. This specialized unit includes two DCP-rank officers, two station house officers, and a sub-inspector, who are working in coordination with the BHAROSA Woman Safety Wing and SHE Teams to ensure victims are supported while their statements are recorded.
According to police reports, the gang members posed as wealthy individuals to gain the trust of their targets before shifting to extortion tactics. As the investigation progresses, more victims have begun to step forward, leading officials to expect a rise in the total number of victims identified. Prime accused Arjun Kumar, aged 22, is currently in judicial custody, and the SIT may request additional remand to further interrogate him as the investigation continues.
The legal proceedings have also implicated several other individuals allegedly involved in the conspiracy. The POCSO case file currently lists other conspirators including the mother of the accused, Meena Kumari, their uncle Prashant, another brother Vinil Chaudhary, and two associates named Jithin and Hemanth. To date, the Jubilee Hills police have successfully arrested nine members linked to the gang. Law enforcement officials have indicated that further arrests are anticipated following the conclusion of the current custody period for Rajeev Kumar this Wednesday.
