Rajasthan tops country chart in extortion, blackmail

TNN / Updated: Dec 18, 2023, 10:17 IST

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The National Crime Records Bureau report reveals that Rajasthan had the highest number of reported cases of extortion and blackmailing in 2022. The Rajasthan police formed an anti-gangster task force (AGTF) to control organised criminal syndicates involved in extortion rackets, including the gangs of Rohit Godara, Lawrence Bishnoi, and Virendra Charan. Godara, a henchman of Bishnoi, has been threatening individuals in Rajasthan for extortion, leading to turf wars. The Bishnoi gang operates by threatening people and collecting extortion money. The AGTF's mandate is to closely monitor these gangs and address the rise of criminal activities.

Rajasthan tops country chart in extortion, blackmail

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JAIPUR: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2022 reveals that Rajasthan topped the list with the highest number of reported cases of extortion and blackmailing last year.
According to the report, Rajasthan recorded a total of 1,304 cases of extortion and blackmail. Odisha came a close second with 1,207 cases, and Maharashtra stood at the third position with 1,155 cases.
The Rajasthan police on Saturday announced formation of an anti-gangster task force (AGTF) with the mandate to control organised criminal syndicates involved in extortion rackets.The AGTF is expected to closely monitor gangs like that of Rohit Godara, who engages in threats and orchestrates shootings for extortion.
However, the task ahead for the new force is not without challenges. Godara, a henchman of the notorious jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been involved in threatening several individuals in Rajasthan for extortion, leading to turf wars in the state.

In fact, in January this year, Godara sent his men who fired at a hotel near Airport Plaza in Jawahar Circle area and fled after dropping a note asking the owner to arrange Rs 1 crore.
Following the incident, the police rounded up several persons involved in the case. Speaking to TOI, a senior official stated that both the Bishnoi and Godara gangs operate by threatening people and collecting hefty extortion.
“The Bishnoi gang is widespread and needs a constant supply of money, for which they get involved in extortions,” said the official.
Security cover was provided to several individuals who claimed to have received threats from these gangs.

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