Four men were arrested and two Najomtien police officers were sought for questioning for the alleged rape of an Udon Thani woman.
Alleged ringleader Chamnan Kongplien, 43, along with Pairoj Boonmee, 46, Apichart Kampein, 34, and Kanung Kesa, 29, were taken into custody June 23 for allegedly impersonating police officers and conspiring to rape the 33-year-old Issan woman.
The woman complained to police June 22 that she was detained by the four men for alleged drug use and then coerced into having sex with Kanung.
Najomtien Sub-district police said Kanung confessed that he and the woman had sex, but claimed it was consensual. The other three men denied impersonating police.
They were charged with kidnapping, extortion and robbery while Kanung additionally was charged with rape.
All four men were released on bail, but questioning led to allegations that two commissioned police officers – Pol. Sr. Sgt. Maj. Tanakiat Sretdilok and Pol. Sr. Sgt. Maj. Bandol Thongma – were aiding the gang. They have been ordered to report for questioning by Chonburi provincial police.
Police officials say there have been numerous complaints about a gang impersonating police extorting and molesting drug users. They encouraged anyone who has been victimized by such a gang to come forward, as more charges could be filed against the men.
