Kerala native, accomplice held in Bhubaneswar for impersonating cops and extorting couples

Bhubaneswar: Police have arrested two men, including a Kerala native, for allegedly posing as police officers and extorting money from couples in the city, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused were identified as Joseph M E (41) from Pathanamthitta district in Kerala and Jitendra Samantray (50), a resident of Bhubaneswar. Acting on specific inputs, a police team laid a trap and apprehended the duo in the Khandagiri and Udayagiri hill areas.

According to the police, one of the men impersonated a police officer and threatened couples after secretly taking photographs and videos of their private moments, while the other aided him in the operation. The victims were allegedly coerced into paying money to avoid further trouble.

During the raid, police recovered mobile phones containing intimate photos and videos of several couples. A motorcycle used by the accused was also seized.

Further investigation is underway, police added.

(with inputs from agencies)