Ranjit Singh at Patna Junction on Friday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, Jan. 14: A retired army jawan was caught today on charges of extortion of money.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) today arrested 55-year-old Ranjit Singh from Patna Junction after he was caught extorting money from passengers by posing as a policeman. He was produced in court and was later sent to jail.

GRP inspector Ramakant Prasad said: “Ranjit Singh was arrested this morning from platform number 9. We had received a tip-off about a man who extorts money from railway passengers. Several passengers had also complained about the person.”

Giving details about the arrest, Ramakant said: “A young man Santosh Pandey, who was boarding a train for Biharsharif suddenly started protesting as Ranjit asked for money from him. He was beaten up after he refused to give him the money.”

Talking about the way Ranjit worked, Ramakant said: “He (Ranjit) posed as a policeman and kept roaming about the platform in police uniform. He used to target innocent passengers. Firstly, he would ask them to show their bags and then would put unnecessary charges against them. Then, he would ask for money from the passengers who would give in.”

Prasad said: “His looks went in his favour. Being strongly built, it was easier for him to pose as a policeman. He had a moustache and it was impossible for anyone to understand his reality, especially in the manner in which he spoke. Passengers gave in as they were scared.”

Ramakant also said that Ranjit has served in the army for around 17 years and he was posted in Ambala cantonment. “Having retired from such a respectable job, I don’t understand why people insult their duty in this manner. A man who played the role of a saviour at the border being arrested for such a petty crime is such a pity,” Ramakant said.

“When I asked him the reason behind such an act, he said he has lost his mental balance. He does not have an earning member in the family and therefore he did this to support his family. He lives with his wife, daughter-in-laws and a son who is jobless,” the GRP officer said.

Recently, the railway police arrested a UPSC aspirant on charges on eve teasing. Ramakant wondered why educated people were resorting to such activities.