Fake Interpol link, logo resembling govt insignia: How 6 Bengal men ran fake police station in Noida

The accused have been identified as Bibhash Chandra Adhikari, Aragya Adhikari, Babul Chandra Mandal, Pintu Pal, Samapadmal, and Ashish Kumar. Their educational backgrounds range from below Class 12 to graduates in law and arts. All six are originally from different districts of West Bengal and were living together in the rented office premises.

On June 4, according to the police, the accused rented the premises in Sector 70. Within a week, they put up boards carrying a logo and colours resembling the insignia of the central forces.

The gang allegedly claimed links with Interpol, and the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), and said they worked on “international crimes and criminals.” They also claimed to have an office in the United Kingdom.

“They were projecting themselves as a parallel police organisation and promising to get official work done. The logo they used was similar to a government police insignia, but no copyright or trademark existed for it,” said Shakti Mohan Avasthy, DCP (Central).

The group allegedly forged certificates in the name of various ministries, including Tribal Affairs, and Social Justice, to appear legitimate. They also maintained a website, where they would display these certificates and collect “donations”.

During the raid late on August 10, police recovered nine mobile phones, 17 stamp seals, six cheque books, nine ID cards, four boards bearing the bureau’s name, multiple visiting cards, forged ministry certificates, a CPU, and Rs 42,300 in cash.

Police also seized press ID cards, purported IDs of the IHRC, among other paraphernalia.

An FIR has been registered at Phase 3 police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to impersonation, forgery, and cheating, as well as provisions of the IT Act and the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.