Six impostors posing as Enforcement Directorate officials raided a Bantwal residence in Dakshina Kannada, stealing Rs 30 lakh and mobile phones. Police have launched a high-level investigation into the fraudulent operation.
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Impostors Posing as ED Officials Loot Rs 30 Lakh in Bantwal, Spark Security Concerns in Dakshina Kannada
Bantwal (Dakshina Kannada) | June 2, 2025 — In an audacious heist that has sent shockwaves through Dakshina Kannada, six individuals impersonating officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a bogus raid on a residence in Bantwal town, making away with ₹30 lakh in cash and five mobile phones. The incident occurred on Friday evening and was confirmed by the Bantwal police on Saturday, triggering a full-scale criminal investigation.
The victim, Mohammad Iqbal, a local businessman, reported that the impostors arrived in two cars around 6:30 PM, dressed in formal attire and brandishing fake IDs. Claiming to be part of a “confidential anti-money laundering operation,” they demanded entry into his residence, citing suspicion of illegal financial dealings.
Fake ED Officers Loot Rs 30 Lakh in Daring Heist at Bantwal Home, Dakshina Kannada
The Deception Unfolded Like a Scripted Operation
According to Iqbal’s police complaint, the group behaved in a coordinated manner:
One of them posed as the lead investigator, questioning Iqbal.
Two others pretended to inspect documents and the premises.
The remaining men guarded the entrance, even threatening neighbors not to interfere.
Within minutes, they allegedly uncovered a “stash” of cash in a bedroom closet and seized it along with five smartphones belonging to family members.
“They assured me it was procedural and said they would provide official receipts and documents later. I had no reason to doubt their identity—they seemed thoroughly professional,” Iqbal stated.
Escape and Realization
After about 40 minutes, the impostors abruptly exited the home, claiming they had to “report to headquarters.” They left in their vehicles without providing any documentation, prompting Iqbal to grow suspicious. When subsequent calls to their given helpline number went unanswered, he approached the Bantwal Town Police Station to report the crime.
Police Respond Swiftly; Investigation Underway
Upon receiving the complaint, Dakshina Kannada district police launched a multi-agency probe. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed, and vehicle registration numbers are being traced. Police suspect the impostors may be part of a larger interstate racket targeting affluent individuals in Tier-2 towns.
“We are pursuing leads based on their vehicle movement and digital footprint. At least two of the accused appear to be repeat offenders from previous impersonation cases,” said Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K., who recently took charge of the district.
Fingerprint evidence and forensic analysis of voice recordings from neighbors’ smartphones are also being used to build a profile of the suspects.
Pattern of Similar Crimes Emerging Across Karnataka
This isn’t the first such case in Karnataka. In the past year, multiple instances of:
Fake CBI and ED raids
Bogus tax department inspections
Scam calls mimicking government agencies
have been reported in districts like Tumakuru, Mysuru, and Shivamogga.
In many cases, the impersonators used WhatsApp messages, forged IDs, and fake legal documents to mislead residents and extract money under the guise of law enforcement.
Legal Ramifications: Heavy Charges Await Accused
The Bantwal Police have filed an FIR under:
IPC Section 170 – Impersonating a public servant
Section 420 – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
Section 395 – Dacoity
Section 468 & 471 – Forgery and use of forged documents
Legal experts say that if convicted, the accused could face up to 10 years in prison, along with separate charges under the Information Technology Act if digital impersonation tools were used.
ED Official Statement: “We Don’t Conduct Raids Without Formal Notice”
In a rare public clarification, the Enforcement Directorate regional office in Bengaluru issued a statement:
“All ED operations are preceded by written notices and are accompanied by local police officers. Citizens should verify credentials and contact official numbers listed on the ED website in case of doubt.”
The agency also warned the public against entertaining calls or visits from individuals claiming unannounced ‘raids.’
Public Safety Advisory Issued
Following the incident, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has issued a public advisory, urging residents to:
Ask for official ID cards with designations and contact numbers
Cross-verify with local police control rooms
Avoid handing over cash or mobile devices without legal documentation
Report suspicious visitors immediately to 112 emergency line
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Tier-2 India
The Bantwal incident serves as a grim reminder of how impersonation frauds are evolving, leveraging fear, formality, and the public’s limited awareness of agency procedures. As central agencies expand their reach, the lack of local coordination and digital awareness continues to be exploited by fraudsters.
For now, Mohammad Iqbal and many others wait for justice and for their hard-earned money to be recovered.
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