Rajkot Journalist Faces Extortion Charges Over RTI Dispute
In a significant development in Rajkot district, Upleta police have formally booked a local journalist for allegedly attempting to extort money from a village sarpanch. The case centers on accusations that the journalist demanded Rs 2 lakh to settle a dispute related to panchayat records accessed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Details of the Alleged Extortion Incident
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the complainant, Bodu Sumra, who serves as the sarpanch of Kharachiya village in Upleta taluka, reported that journalist Ashish Lalkiya had initially sought panchayat records through an RTI application. Following this, Lalkiya visited the panchayat office for an inspection, which led to a heated argument between the two individuals.
The situation escalated when, a few days later, Lalkiya allegedly called Sumra to the Upleta Circuit House under the pretext of reaching a settlement. During this meeting, Lalkiya is accused of demanding Rs 2 lakh to resolve the ongoing issue. When Sumra refused to comply with the demand, Lalkiya reportedly issued threats, including taking action against the village panchayat secretary and filing a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The complaint further alleges that Lalkiya warned of serious consequences if his demands were not met.
Legal Action and Police Response
In response to the complaint, Upleta police have registered an offence against Ashish Lalkiya under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges include Sections 308(7), 352, and 351(3), which pertain to extortion, criminal intimidation, and related offences. This legal action underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations, highlighting concerns over misuse of journalistic access and potential corruption in local governance.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of transparency and accountability in rural administration, as the RTI Act is intended to empower citizens with information rather than be exploited for personal gain. Police investigations are ongoing, and further details are expected as the case progresses through the legal system.
