Bhilwara Extortion Case: Four Arrested, IPS Officer's Role Under Investigation
In a significant development in Bhilwara district, four individuals were apprehended on Sunday for their alleged involvement in extorting garnet businessmen in the Kotdi area. The arrests have sparked a broader investigation, with the role of probationer IPS officer Madhav Upadhyay coming under intense scrutiny.
Police Action and Initial Findings
The case first came to light on April 4 when constable Arjun Ram reported that certain individuals were intimidating garnet entrepreneurs within their beat areas and demanding Rs 30,000 per machine as extortion money. Following this report, Kotdi police station in-charge Mahaveer Prasad Meena registered a formal case and initiated a thorough investigation.
During the probe, police successfully arrested four men identified as Ajay Panchal, Nand Singh, Narayan Gurjar, and Kalu Gurjar. According to authorities, these individuals allegedly approached garnet businessmen, offering them protection from interference in their operations in exchange for monetary payments.
Political Connections and Allegations
Among those arrested, Ajay Panchal was reported to have close ties with Jahazpur BJP MLA Gopichand Meena. In response to these reports, MLA Meena acknowledged that Panchal had worked as a party worker during the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections but emphasized that he had since been engaged in his own business ventures. The MLA categorically denied any connection to the extortion allegations.
However, MLA Meena made counter-allegations against probationer IPS officer Madhav Upadhyay, accusing him of extorting money from garnet businessmen. He claimed that BJP workers from his constituency had complained about Upadhyay and his team conducting extortion under the guise of taking action against illegal garnet operations. The MLA stated that he had raised this issue with Bhilwara Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Singh, which he believes led to the subsequent arrests.
Denials and Counterclaims
IPS officer Madhav Upadhyay has firmly denied all allegations against him, describing them as baseless and unfounded. He clarified that Ajay Panchal had served only as an informer, providing inputs that led to legitimate police actions. Upadhyay maintained that he had no involvement in any extortion activities and emphasized his commitment to law enforcement.
Upadhyay further highlighted that since his posting in Bhilwara district, he has taken the most stringent actions against illegal garnet operations in the Kotdi area, demonstrating his dedication to upholding the law.
Ongoing Investigation
Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Singh has confirmed that a case has been registered and a comprehensive investigation is currently underway. The probe aims to determine the exact involvement of all parties and uncover the full extent of the extortion network. SP Singh has assured that the investigation will be conducted impartially to ensure justice is served.
The case continues to develop, with authorities working diligently to piece together the facts and hold all responsible parties accountable under the law.
