Former Surat Congress Leader Faces Extortion Charges in Loan Dispute
In a significant development in Surat, a former Congress party official has been booked on serious charges of extortion and financial misconduct. Deep Nayak, a 42-year-old resident of Umra and former working president of the Surat Congress, filed a formal complaint on Wednesday against Rushin Rayka, who previously served as the vice-president of the Surat Congress.
Allegations of Unlicensed Lending and Coercion
According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered at Umra police station, Nayak has accused Rayka of operating as an unlicensed money lender and engaging in coercive practices. The complaint alleges that Rayka provided a loan without holding a valid financier's licence, which is a violation under the Gujarat Money-Lenders Act. Furthermore, Rayka has been charged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for extortion and criminal intimidation.
The roots of this dispute trace back to 2018 when Nayak's land in Dindoli was reserved by the Surat Urban Development Authority (SUDA). Facing financial constraints and seeking to sell the plot, Nayak turned to Rayka for assistance. Rayka, leveraging his purported connections with government officials, promised to help release the land from reservation. During this period, the two shared a close friendship, having worked together within the Congress party framework.
Details of the Financial Transactions and Alleged Exploitation
Rayka allegedly offered Nayak a loan at an interest rate of 6% per month. Between 2018 and 2019, Nayak borrowed a total of Rs 1.05 crore in multiple tranches. He claims to have repaid Rs 1.27 crore to Rayka, which included the principal amount along with substantial interest payments. Despite this, Rayka is accused of demanding an additional Rs 1.95 crore in interest, leading to escalating tensions.
As security for the loan, Nayak had provided cheques to Rayka. These cheques were later deposited by Rayka and returned, enabling him to file a complaint in court, thereby increasing pressure on Nayak. In a further alleged act of coercion, Rayka extracted Rs 40 lakh from Nayak under the pretext of facilitating the removal of the land reservation.
The situation intensified in January 2023 when Rayka reportedly purchased Nayak's flat for a mere Rs 8 lakh. This transaction is particularly contentious as the flat's jantri rate was Rs 35 lakh, with its market value estimated at around Rs 90 lakh. Nayak contends that this was a forced sale driven by Rayka's persistent harassment and threats.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Faced with continuous harassment, including alleged threats and applications filed at various police stations by Rayka, Nayak finally approached the Umra police. His complaint formally accuses Rayka of extortion and criminal intimidation, prompting authorities to register a case and initiate an investigation.
This case highlights serious allegations of financial exploitation and abuse of position within political circles. The involvement of former Congress officials adds a layer of complexity, drawing attention to internal dynamics and accountability. As the investigation proceeds, it will scrutinize the validity of the loan agreements, the legality of the interest demands, and the broader implications for political integrity in Surat.
