One person died after a massive fire broke out at a CNC wood-cutting shop in Shahberi under the Bisrakh Police Station area of Greater Noida West late on Wednesday night. According to Uttar Pradesh Police, a team from the fire department rushed to the spot after receiving information about the blaze and immediately launched a rescue operation.
During the operation, firefighters rescued two people, identified as Altamas and Aman, who were trapped inside the shop. Both were found unconscious and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Police said Altamas was declared dead during treatment, while Aman was later referred to Safdarjung Hospital for further medical care.
The fire was brought under control and completely extinguished by the fire department. Authorities have initiated further legal proceedings, while the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
Five held for posing as GST officials, extorting Rs 29 lakh in Noida
In a seperate incident, five people have been arrested for allegedly posing as Goods and Services Tax (GST) officials and extorting Rs 29 lakh from a GST consultant in Noida, police said on Wednesday.
According to Central Noida Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shailendra Kumar Singh, the Bisrakh police recovered the entire amount allegedly extorted from the victim, including Rs 24.50 lakh in cash and gold and silver jewellery worth Rs 4.50 lakh.
Police said the incident took place on July 20 when the GST consultant was travelling in his car with his pet dog and carrying his laptop. The accused allegedly intercepted the victim's vehicle near S Aspire Society by blocking his path with their car. They then identified themselves as GST officials and allegedly forced him into their vehicle.
According to investigators, the accused threatened to implicate the consultant in a GST-related case and warned that he would be sent to jail unless he paid them ₹29 lakh.
Police said the money was later delivered in cash by the victim's brother. After receiving the amount, the accused allegedly released the consultant along with his vehicle and fled the scene.
During the investigation, police found that the alleged mastermind, Kashish Chauhan, also known as Ishu, was already acquainted with the victim. According to officials, the two had known each other since 2021, and Chauhan was aware of the victim's involvement in GST-related work, which investigators believe helped the accused plan and execute the crime.
Police said further investigations are underway.
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