Rajasthan tops country chart in extortion, blackmail

JAIPUR: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2022 reveals that Rajasthan topped the list with the highest number of reported cases of extortion and blackmailing last year.

According to the report, Rajasthan recorded a total of 1,304 cases of extortion and blackmail. Odisha came a close second with 1,207 cases, and Maharashtra stood at the third position with 1,155 cases.

The Rajasthan police on Saturday announced formation of an anti-gangster task force (AGTF) with the mandate to control organised criminal syndicates involved in extortion rackets. The AGTF is expected to closely monitor gangs like that of Rohit Godara, who engages in threats and orchestrates shootings for extortion.

However, the task ahead for the new force is not without challenges. Godara, a henchman of the notorious jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been involved in threatening several individuals in Rajasthan for extortion, leading to turf wars in the state.

In fact, in January this year, Godara sent his men who fired at a hotel near Airport Plaza in Jawahar Circle area and fled after dropping a note asking the owner to arrange Rs 1 crore.

Following the incident, the police rounded up several persons involved in the case. Speaking to TOI, a senior official stated that both the Bishnoi and Godara gangs operate by threatening people and collecting hefty extortion.

“The Bishnoi gang is widespread and needs a constant supply of money, for which they get involved in extortions,” said the official.

Security cover was provided to several individuals who claimed to have received threats from these gangs.

Key gunman in case of firing for extortion in Delhi's Dwarka held

Portugal-based gangster Himanshu Bhau's men fired around 40 rounds at the office of a builder in Dwarka two days ago, making it the most brazen extortion-related incident this year. The main gunman, Subhash, was arrested hiding on the Maharshi Dayanand University campus in Rohtak. The shooters left behind a letter demanding Rs 2 crore and fired several rounds in the air to terrorize the locality. Bhau has joined hands with jailed gangster Naveen Bali and was extorting money from builders and businessmen.

Anti-Gangster Task Force, SIT formed to deal with gangs, probe paper leaks

Rajasthan Police establishes Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Special Investigation Team (SIT) to combat organised crime and paper leaks in recruitment exams. AGTF, led by ADGP Dinesh MN, will identify criminal syndicates and collaborate with national agencies. SIT, headed by ADGP VK Singh, will investigate paper leaks, seize assets, and prevent further leaks. AGTF will address the rise of criminal gangs, including Lawrence Bishnoi, Rohit Godara, and Virendra Charan. The move follows high-profile murders in the state.