Three arrested in extortion threat case linked to Lawrence gang in Khargone

Khargone: Three persons were arrested in connection with alleged extortion threats issued to bio cotton businessman in Bheelgaon in the name of Lawrence gang.Khargone police officials said that three accused were produced before a court, which granted three days of police remand. Their identities have not been disclosed yet due to the ongoing investigation, they said.Khargone SP Ravindra Verma told TOI that a detailed investigation was in progress and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted at the state level, as similar cases have been reported across five districts. He added that police will soon disclose the case details.Cotton businessman Dilip Rathore and Rajput community members on Saturday submitted a memorandum at Kasrawad police station, claiming that an influential person from the region was the prime conspirator behind the entire plot."I have provided the police with the name and details of a key person who masterminded the conspiracy. The same person attempted to get me kidnapped through the Lawrence Bishnoi gang two years ago. I have also submitted evidence linking him to the accused currently in police custody. He has been absconding for the past four years and is enjoying political protection," Rathore alleged. He claimed that police had advised him not to disclose the name publicly as the investigation was underway. Rathore said that he would stage a public protest, including a road blockade, if action is not taken against the alleged conspirator.