New Delhi, August 20: A suspected fake Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raid at a businessman’s residence in Delhi’s Rohini was foiled after his wife refused to open the gate for a group claiming to be CBI officials, police said.
The incident, which reportedly resembled the plot of the 2013 Bollywood film Special 26, involved around eight to 10 people who arrived at the residence claiming they had come to conduct an official search. The suspects allegedly wore clothes bearing the CBI insignia and carried identity cards identifying them as agency officials.
According to reports, the group attempted to convince the family that they were authorised officers. However, the businessman’s wife became suspicious and refused to let them enter the house. She reportedly questioned the visitors about their identity and demanded proper documentation for the alleged search.
The suspects allegedly showed a purported search notice through WhatsApp, but their explanations failed to convince the woman. The situation became more difficult for the group when neighbours also began questioning their presence and asked them to produce official papers.
The suspected impostors reportedly remained outside the residence for nearly one and a half hours before leaving without carrying out the alleged raid. The entire incident was also reportedly captured on CCTV cameras installed at the property.
The case has raised concerns over criminals using the names, insignia and identity documents of central investigating agencies to gain access to homes and businesses. By posing as officials, such groups can potentially attempt to intimidate victims and gain access to valuables or sensitive documents.
Police are investigating the incident and efforts are underway to identify the people involved. The exact motive behind the attempted fake raid is yet to be established.
The incident has drawn comparisons with Special 26, the 2013 Hindi crime thriller in which a group of conmen pose as CBI officials and conduct fake raids to rob wealthy targets.
Officials and security experts have repeatedly advised people not to allow unknown individuals claiming to be government officials into their premises without verifying their credentials. In case of a suspected fake raid or impersonation attempt, residents should immediately contact the police and independently verify the identity and authorisation of the alleged officers.
In the Rohini case, the woman’s decision to remain cautious and refuse entry prevented the suspected fraudsters from carrying out what could have become a serious criminal operation.
