A gang posing as CBI officers allegedly tried to raid a family’s home in Delhi’s Prashant Vihar, but their plan failed after the residents questioned their credentials and called the police.
The incident took place around 10 pm on August 11, when about eight people, including six men and two women, arrived at the home of Pratham Agarwal. Claiming to be CBI officers, they showed what appeared to be government identity cards and tried to enter the house.
When Agarwal and his mother asked for a search warrant or official paperwork, the group allegedly threatened them and remained outside for nearly 90 minutes. The situation became suspicious when neighbours intervened. The group then claimed that a notice in Agarwal’s father’s name was in their vehicle and left, but never returned.
The family immediately called the police. A fake CBI notice had also been sent to the father’s phone, and its screenshot helped investigators begin tracing the suspects.
Police examined CCTV footage, phone data and other evidence before identifying the gang. Seven people have been arrested so far.
Investigators recovered eight mobile phones, clothing carrying the CBI monogram and photographs and videos of fake government identity cards. Some phones also contained videos showing people posing as CBI, ED and other government officials during similar raids.
Police suspect the gang had planned such fake raids to intimidate people and force them to hand over cash or valuables. Investigators are now checking whether the group was involved in other cases.
Among the key accused are Asifa, 29, originally from Jammu and Kashmir; Pooja Agarwal, who previously worked as a singer; and Kuldeep Sharma, a former bank employee who allegedly knew the complainant and is accused of providing information about his home and possible valuables.
Police say the investigation is continuing to identify everyone involved and uncover the gang’s wider network.
