Fake Officials Extorting Truck Drivers Arrested on Highway

Police arrested three individuals who allegedly posed as government officials and extorted money from truck drivers and vehicle owners on the National Highway under Pamuru limits in Markapuram district. During the operation, police seized ₹45,000 in cash, an air pistol, a country-made firearm, a knife, and a car. The accused reportedly stopped trucks carrying soil loads and threatened drivers with legal action and heavy fines to collect money.

Based on complaints from victims, police registered cases and tracked the suspects using technical evidence. The accused were apprehended at Virat Nagar Center in Pamuru. Investigation revealed that the main accused, D. Mallikarjuna, who was reportedly facing debts due to online cricket betting, committed the crimes along with his associates Barre Chittibabu and Machha Vamsi. The trio will be produced before the Kanigiri court, police said.