Second Arrest Made in Rajkot Clinic Spy Camera Extortion Racket
In a significant development in a disturbing extortion case, the Rajkot City Cybercrime police have apprehended a second suspect. This arrest is connected to a sophisticated plot involving a hidden spy camera concealed within a clinic's bulb holder, designed to extort a substantial sum of Rs 25 lakh from a 49-year-old BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) practitioner.
Details of the Latest Arrest
The accused, identified as Ajaysinh Chudasama (32), was taken into custody on Tuesday. Police investigations indicate that Chudasama has connections to the newspaper business. His mobile phone has been seized as part of the ongoing probe. Authorities have revealed that preliminary inquiries show Chudasama possesses a criminal history, including previous cases related to assault, violations under the Prohibition Act, and offences under the Arms Act. It was also noted that he previously managed a social media channel.
Background of the Case
This extortion scheme first came to light on March 21 with the initial arrest of Kamal Nandha, a BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) practitioner. Nandha is alleged to have installed the covert spy camera at a clinic located on Sadhu Vasvani Road. The primary intent was to record private and intimate moments without consent.
Police reports explain that Nandha was acquainted with the complainant, an established ayurveda practitioner who operates multiple clinics. Due to this professional relationship, Nandha frequently referred patients to the clinics, which granted him regular access to the premises. The complainant had permitted a female acquaintance to use his second clinic for her operations.
Motivation and Execution of the Crime
Investigators believe that Nandha, driven by personal infatuation and suspicion regarding a potential relationship between the complainant and the woman, decided to install the hidden camera. The device was strategically placed inside a lamp holder within the examination room. This camera not only captured private moments but also recorded footage of patients during medical examinations, raising serious privacy and ethical concerns.
Authorities estimate that between the year 2023 and mid-2024, the camera recorded an astonishing volume of approximately 3,000 to 4,000 video clips. After obtaining this compromising footage, Nandha reportedly contacted Ajaysinh Chudasama. Chudasama then introduced Nandha to his associate, Hiren Makwana, who is currently involved in the transport business.
The Extortion Plot Unfolds
A criminal conspiracy was allegedly formed, involving Nandha, Chudasama, Makwana, and another individual named Hardik Dodiya. Their objective was to extort money from the BAMS practitioner by leveraging the sensitive recordings. According to police statements, Hiren Makwana personally conveyed the extortion demand, insisting on a payment of Rs 25 lakh to prevent the release of the footage.
Under mounting pressure, the complainant reportedly made an initial payment of Rs 50,000 in June 2024. However, following this transaction, he decided to approach the Rajkot Cybercrime police to file an official complaint, leading to the investigation and subsequent arrests.
Ongoing Investigation and Suspects at Large
Assistant Commissioner of Police Chintan Patel, overseeing the case, confirmed that the probe is actively continuing. While two arrests have been made, police authorities have indicated that around ten other individuals suspected to be part of this extensive racket remain at large and are yet to be traced. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend all persons involved in this elaborate extortion scheme.
The case highlights growing concerns over cybercrime and privacy violations in clinical settings, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures and vigilant law enforcement response to protect citizens from such invasive and criminal activities.
