Chennai Police Inspector Arrested for Extorting Businessman Using Armstrong Murder Case Threats

Chennai. A serving police inspector in Chennai has been arrested on serious charges of extortion after a local businessman accused him of systematically demanding money under the threat of being implicated in the high-profile murder case of Bahujan Samaj Party leader K. Armstrong. The accused officer, identified as Mohammed Buhari, was attached to the St. Thomas Mount Police Station and had previously been involved in the investigation team handling the murder inquiry.

The complainant, a 35-year-old gold bullion and share market trader residing in Old Washermenpet, alleged that the officer had been targeting him for the past two years. According to the formal complaint submitted to the Greater Chennai City Police Commissioner, the inspector claimed that a mobile number associated with the trader had appeared during the murder investigation. The businessman maintained that he had shared the number with an acquaintance years prior and had no connection to the criminal case.

The trader alleged that the inspector initially demanded 20 lakh rupees to ensure he would not be named as an accused. Over the subsequent two years, the officer reportedly continued to extract funds, eventually collecting a total of approximately 40 lakh rupees. The situation escalated on August 1, 2026, when the inspector allegedly visited the businessman's residence with three other officers, searched the premises, and demanded an additional 5 lakh rupees while threatening to frame him in a narcotics-related inquiry.

Following the demand, the businessman reportedly handed over the cash to a head constable near the Washermenpet Metro station. Distressed by the persistent harassment, the trader approached the city police leadership, leading to the registration of a formal case at the Elephant Gate Police Station. Investigators gathered evidence and statements, which resulted in the arrest of both Inspector Buhari and an associate named Srinivasan.

The two suspects were produced before the VIII Metropolitan Magistrate Court in George Town, where they were remanded to judicial custody. Authorities have confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the officer's conduct and the extent of the extortion racket is currently underway to determine if other individuals were targeted by the same methods.