An AMU Clerk has been arrested for allegedly sending extortion letters in Lawrence Bishnoi’s name to eight people. Police say he demanded nearly Rs 2 crore in cryptocurrency and used a fake identity while posting the letters from Delhi.
Police have arrested an Aligarh Muslim University clerk over an alleged cryptocurrency extortion plot. Police claim the suspect used jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s name to threaten eight people. He allegedly demanded about Rs 2 crore through Bitcoin payments and QR codes.
Threatening Letters Sent to Eight People
Police identified the accused as Hashmat Hussain, a 45-year-old lower division clerk at Aligarh Muslim University. Officers allege that he sent threatening letters to eight prominent people connected with the university and Aligarh city.
Recipients reportedly included AMU professors, doctors, alumni, a jeweller and a member of the university’s Old Boys’ Association. Police said the suspect knew several recipients and had information about their businesses, properties and financial position.
Two recipients, including a doctor and a jeweller, approached Aligarh Senior Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar Jadaun on June 6. They told police that the letters demanded cryptocurrency and warned of serious consequences for refusing to pay.
Some reports placed each demand at about $50,000. However, police estimates of the combined amount vary between roughly Rs 2 crore and Rs 2.5 crore. Investigators have not confirmed that any recipient transferred money.
Delhi CCTV Footage Leads Police to Suspect
Investigators found that the letters had been posted through speed post from the General Post Office in Connaught Place, Delhi. Police said the suspect travelled to Delhi on June 3 and posted all eight letters from that location.
A special investigation team worked with postal officials and Delhi Police. Officers examined security footage, hotel records and other technical information linked to the journey.
CCTV footage from the post office reportedly helped investigators identify Hussain. Police later arrested him in the Civil Lines area of Aligarh, within about 48 hours of receiving the complaints.
Officers recovered a T-shirt and sling bag that Hussain allegedly carried while posting the letters. Police also found a fake Aadhaar card, which they suspect he used while travelling and booking hotel rooms under a different identity.
Police Examine Crypto Trading and Debt Claims
Police recovered a mobile phone that allegedly contained evidence of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency trading. Investigators are examining the device to establish whether it links directly to the payment details included in the letters.
Authorities have offered different figures for Hussain’s alleged financial losses. One account placed his debt near Rs 1 crore, while another cited losses of about Rs 80 lakh from cryptocurrency trading. Those figures remain police claims and have not been tested in court.
SSP Jadaun said, “The accused worked at the university and knew all the recipients.” He added that Hussain allegedly selected them after assessing their financial standing and property holdings.
Police also allege that Hussain admitted planning the demands to cover his debts. However, no court has ruled on the allegation, and the investigation remains active.
Six Extortion Cases Registered in Aligarh
Police have registered six first information reports at Civil Lines police station. Authorities booked the cases under Section 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which covers extortion-related offences.
Investigators are checking whether another person helped prepare the letters, payment QR codes or travel documents. They are also examining the cryptocurrency details to determine who controlled the listed wallet addresses.
AMU officials said the university had received information about the employee’s arrest. University Proctor Mohammad Naved Khan stated that AMU had started its formal process and would take appropriate action under its rules.
Hussain remains accused of the offences, and the allegations require proof through the legal process. Police have not reported any confirmed connection between him and Lawrence Bishnoi or Bishnoi’s associates.
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