Ghaziabad: Three criminals have been held here for allegedly demanding extortion from a local businessman, police said Monday.

Lokesh Nagar, Sushil and Surya, who had been demanding Rs 2 lakh from an iron pipe dealer since January 8, were held yesterday, said Sihani Gate Police SHO Ashok Shishodia.  

They used to claim that they were members of the notorious Anil Dujana and Ranpal gang.  An FIR was registered in this regard at the Sihani Gate Police Station.

Police monitored the call detail reports of various mobile phones used by the extortionists and traced their locations.

Yesterday evening, police arrested the accused from a railway crossing near in Lohia Nagar and recovered a country-made pistol and a live cartridge. One stolen car with a Haryana number plate was also seized from them, the SHO said.

On interrogation, the trio confessed that they were also planning to abduct the son of Modi Nagar-based trader, Shishodia added.