The trio had come here yesterday to buy some land and were staying at a hotel. While they were on their way to the site in a car, two vehicles with the 'policemen' intercepted them and said they were conducting a routine check.
They 'seized' the cash and a cheque, asked them to get into one of their cars and follow the other car.
When they reached Salem, they were forced out of the vehicle and the gang sped away.