Khargone Extortion Case: Nine More Arrested in Rs 10 Crore Lawrence Gang Threat
In a significant development in the Khargone extortion case, police have arrested nine additional persons, bringing the total number of arrests to 12. The case involves a firing incident at a bio-cotton trader's residence and a Rs 10 crore extortion threat made in the name of the notorious Lawrence gang.
Police Press Conference Details
Addressing a press conference on Friday afternoon, Superintendent of Police Ravindra Verma provided detailed insights into the investigation. He revealed that the accused had opened fire at the house of businessman Dilip Singh Rathore in Bhilgaon. Following the attack, they demanded Rs 10 crore through WhatsApp calls and messages sent from international numbers. The caller identified himself as ‘Harry Boxer’, claiming association with the Lawrence gang and threatening Rathore with dire consequences if the money was not paid.
Arrests and Key Suspects
Police had earlier arrested the main conspirators Sachin Patidar, a resident of Karoli in Manawar (Dhar district), and Lokendra Panwar from Ingoria police station area in Ujjain district. Amit Badgotya, who conducted the recce, was also taken into custody. On Friday, nine more individuals were arrested:
- Rajpal Chandrawat (Ratnakhedi, Nagda Mandi, Ujjain)
- Malkhan alias Vijendra Sisodia
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Krishnapal alias Kenya Solanki
- Ansh alias Anshu Pal
- Shiva Bilgade
- Ritik alias Janjeera Panwar
- Rohit Malviya (all residents of Dewas district)
- Kase Khan (Balsamud, Kasrawad, Khargone)
One more accused, Raja Khan, is currently lodged in Dewas jail. However, four key suspects remain absconding: Harichand Jat alias ‘Harry Boxer’, Javed Khan, Rahul Baba Binjhana (both Dewas district residents), and Ravi Chauhan. Additionally, Kuldeep Singh Rajput and Sandeep Prajapati were taken into custody on Friday evening.
Investigation and Seizures
To crack the case, Khargone police formed six special teams deployed to various locations, including Gujarat, Nagda, and Dewas. The coordinated efforts, supported by technical analysis and CCTV footage, led to the identification and arrest of the accused. Police have seized three cars, two motorcycles, four pistols, 10 cartridges, and 10 mobile phones as part of the investigation.
Root Cause and Execution of the Crime
According to the investigation, the crime stemmed from a financial dispute. Sachin Patidar and Lokendra Panwar were known to the victim Dilip Rathore and had ongoing monetary disagreements with him. Lokendra shared the issue with Sandeep Prajapati, who had connections with Rajpal Chandrawat, who allegedly had links to the Lawrence gang. Rajpal then sent associate Amit to identify the target's house in Bhilgaon.
The accused made multiple attempts to execute the firing. On March 2, an initial attempt failed. Then, on March 11, shooters Shiva, Krishnapal, and Anshu attempted firing but failed due to a malfunction in the pistol. Finally, on March 16, Malkhan provided a motorcycle and weapon to Anshpal, Shiva, and Rohit, who then fired at the house and recorded a video.
This video was sent to Rajpal, who forwarded it to ‘Harry Boxer’. Subsequently, the victim and his son Satyendra received threatening calls and videos demanding Rs 10 crore.
Victim's Allegations
In a video statement released on Friday, Rathore alleged that the main conspirator is still untouched. He has submitted a written complaint to SP Ravindra Verma and state assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, seeking further action and justice in the case.
