Fake vigilance officer extorts Rs 3.5 lakh, drives victim to suicide attempt: SP Gangtok details Ranipool case

Superintendent of Police, Gangtok, Mahendra Subba on January 23 addressed a press conference to provide details of a serious impersonation, blackmail and extortion case registered at Ranipool Police Station, describing the offence as one involving grave mental trauma to the victim.

The case has been registered as Ranipool PS Case No. 31/2026, and the accused has been identified as Madan Chettri, 58, a resident of 7th Mile, Samdur. The accused is currently in police custody.

Briefing the media, SP Subba said the victim first received a threatening phone call on August 5, 2025, followed by another call on August 7, during which he was asked to meet near 32 Mile, Ranipool, under the pretext of a vigilance inquiry. The accused allegedly impersonated a Vigilance Officer and threatened the victim with false implication in a 28-year-old unnatural death case.

According to the police, the accused extorted ₹2.5 lakh from the victim on August 12, followed by another ₹1 lakh on August 26. The victim was again threatened on September 23, which led to extreme fear and mental distress, forcing him to flee his residence.

SP Subba revealed that the victim later attempted to take his own life and went missing after leaving his mobile phone at home. Three to four days ago, the victim’s son managed to trace him at a temple in Siliguri, where he had been staying. The victim has since been reunited with his family.

During the course of the investigation, police found that the victim was subjected to severe mental torture. The SP said the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness. He also disclosed that the accused has a criminal history, including previous involvement in a sexual assault case, in which police action had been taken earlier.

The investigation is being led by Investigating Officer PI Soveet Chettri. Police have assured that a final charge sheet will be submitted before the court upon completion of the investigation. Keeping in view the trauma suffered by the victim, counselling support will also be provided during the investigation process.

SP Subba appealed to the public to remain calm and vigilant, advising citizens not to panic if they receive threatening calls claiming to be from police or vigilance authorities. He urged people to verify such calls by approaching the nearest police station before taking any action.

Police are also examining whether the accused may have targeted other individuals and have encouraged anyone who may have faced similar incidents of impersonation or extortion to come forward and assist the investigation.