Probationer IPS Officer Placed on Awaiting Posting Order Amid Bhilwara Extortion Racket Investigation
A probationer IPS officer has been placed on Awaiting Posting Order (APO) after police in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, identified his role as "suspicious" during a probe into an alleged extortion racket targeting garnet businessmen in the Kotdi area. This development follows the arrest of four youths on Sunday for allegedly threatening and extorting money from local garnet traders.
Investigation Uncovers Suspicious Links
Kotdi police arrested four individuals—Ajay Panchal, Nand Singh, Narayan Gurjar, and Kalu Gurjar—on Sunday for their involvement in the extortion scheme. During interrogation, the role of probationer IPS officer Madhav Upadhyay came under scrutiny, prompting Bhilwara Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Singh to order a formal inquiry into the matter.
On Monday, police headquarters issued an order placing Upadhyay on APO, citing administrative reasons, until further notice. During this period, he will serve at the headquarters. SP Singh emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and whether Upadhyay's role was suspicious will only become clear after a thorough probe.
Officer Denies Allegations, Claims Informer Role
Madhav Upadhyay has strongly denied the allegations against him. In a statement, he asserted, "The allegations levelled against me by the arrested youth were baseless," adding that the individual was "only providing him information as an informer." This defense highlights the complexity of the case, as police continue to gather evidence.
Case Origins and Police Action
The extortion racket came to light on April 4 when Constable Arjun Ram reported that some youths in his beat area were threatening garnet businessmen and engaging in illegal extortion. A case was promptly registered, and an investigation was launched, leading to the swift arrest of the four suspects.
SP Singh confirmed that the arrests were made as soon as the extortion case surfaced, underscoring the police's commitment to addressing such criminal activities. The placement of Upadhyay on APO reflects administrative measures taken pending the outcome of the investigation, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
