MEERUT, Aug. 1 -- With the arrest of two men, Meerut police on Saturday claimed to have busted a gang that allegedly operated a fake police outpost barely 3 km from a police station, using it to blackmail and extort money from victims lured through online honey traps. Police said two other accused are absconding.

The racket came to light after a local youth lodged a complaint, prompting a police raid that uncovered a fabricated police outpost complete with furniture, official-looking decor, police uniforms and other items used to create the impression of a genuine police facility.

Meerut SP (City) Vinayak Gopal Bhonsle said the case surfaced after a complaint was lodged at Brahmpuri police station by Neeraj on Friday. The complainant al...