Archive · 5 Nov 2025
UP Minor Poses as Gang Member, Demands Rs 50 Lakh
Imagine a young teenager who makes snacks for a living.
He decided to pretend he was part of a big, scary criminal group to try and get a lot of money from a businessman.
He sent a message on Facebook asking for a huge sum, Rs 50 lakh, and threatened the man if he didn't pay.
But the police were able to figure out it was just the teenager.
He told the police he got the idea from watching crime videos online.
He wasn't actually part of any gang.
The police caught him and he was taken to a court for young people.
Police in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, apprehended a 15-year-old from Bengaluru.
The minor is accused of posing as a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to extort Rs 50 lakh from a local trader.
The trader reported receiving the demand via Facebook Messenger, along with death threats.
The suspect, who runs a poha stall, reportedly confessed to fabricating the gang affiliation after watching crime reels online.
The minor was presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and taken into judicial custody.
- Who
- A 15-year-old boy from Bengaluru, a native of Fatehpur district.
- What
- Allegedly demanded Rs 50 lakh from a trader by posing as a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang via Facebook Messenger, threatening his life.
- When
- Complaint lodged on October 31; suspect apprehended and presented before the Juvenile Justice Board on Wednesday.
- Where
- Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh (trader's location); Bengaluru, Karnataka (suspect's location).
- Why
- The minor reportedly confessed to making the demand after watching crime-related social media reels and aimed to extort money to support his family.
Suspect's Claim
Victim's Allegation
Gang Affiliation
Suspect's Claim
The 15-year-old claims he is not affiliated with any gang and fabricated the association after watching crime reels.
Victim's Allegation
The suspect allegedly claimed to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang during the demand for extortion.
Motive
Suspect's Claim
The minor stated he wanted to extort money and was inspired by online crime content.
Victim's Allegation
The trader received a threat to his life if the Rs 50 lakh demand was not met.
- Suspect's Age
- 15 years old
- Demanded Amount
- Rs 50 lakh
- Alleged Gang Affiliation
- Lawrence Bishnoi gang
- Trader's Location
- Nigohi area, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Suspect's Location
- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Complaint Date
- October 31
- Suspect's Occupation
- Poha stall owner
