RTI Activist Apprehended in Hisar for Alleged Extortion Scheme
In a significant development, the Hisar police made an arrest on Friday night, detaining an RTI activist accused of extorting a substantial sum from a local shopkeeper. The arrest followed a meticulously planned trap that caught the individual red-handed while allegedly accepting the illicit payment.
Details of the Alleged Extortion
The accused has been identified as Manoj Sindhwani, a resident of Dev Vatika in Hisar. According to official reports, Sindhwani is alleged to have demanded Rs 1 lakh from a shopkeeper named Deepanshu, who was in the process of constructing a building near Sector 14 in the city. The demand was accompanied by threats to file an RTI application and lodge a formal complaint with the Hisar Municipal Corporation, which could potentially lead to the sealing of the under-construction structure if the payment was not made.
Police Action and Investigation
Deepanshu, feeling pressured by the threats, took the matter to the Superintendent of Police in Hisar. Following this complaint, the city police were instructed to take immediate action. A strategic trap was laid, resulting in the arrest of Sindhwani while he was allegedly in the act of accepting the money. A formal case has been registered against him based on Deepanshu's complaint.
The police are currently conducting a thorough investigation to uncover any possible links or accomplices. Authorities are probing whether the extorted amount was intended to be shared with others and examining if there are additional individuals involved in similar activities within the Municipal Corporation. This investigation aims to ensure that all parties complicit in such extortion schemes are brought to justice.
Past Allegations and Ongoing Probe
Officials have revealed that this is not the first time Sindhwani has faced such allegations. Approximately nine months ago, a case was registered against him following a complaint by an electronics dealer from Hansi. In that instance, he was accused of demanding Rs 7,000 while threatening to report alleged construction violations. The current investigation is ongoing, with police working to gather more evidence and determine the full extent of his activities.
The arrest highlights the misuse of RTI mechanisms for personal gain and underscores the vigilance of law enforcement in tackling such crimes. As the probe continues, authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
