MEERUT, Feb. 10 -- Two Uttar Pradesh Police sub-inspectors (SIs) have been suspended for allegedly extorting Rs.20 lakh from a yarn trader in Meerut after falsely accusing him of dealing in hawala money, police officials said on Tuesday. The action followed an inquiry ordered after the trader approached senior officers with a complaint, while the two accused sub-inspectors are currently absconding.

Avinash Pandey, senior superintendent of police (SSP), on Tuesday confirmed the suspension of SIs Lokendra Sahu and Mukesh Kumar.

The trader, a resident of the Gola Kuan area, was allegedly picked up from his home three days ago by SIs Lokendra Sahu and Mukesh Kumar, posted at the Bijli Bamba police outpost under Lohia Nagar police station. ...