Rohtak Jeweller Faces Rs 5 Crore Extortion Demand, Traders Rally Against Police Inaction
Rohtak: The trading community in Rohtak is on high alert following a brazen extortion attempt targeting a prominent jeweller on Railway Road. Hemant Bakshi, president of the Rohtak Traders Association, was allegedly threatened with a demand for Rs 5 crore, sparking widespread concern among local business owners.
Details of the Extortion Threat
According to trader leader Satish, the incident began when Bakshi received an initial extortion call via WhatsApp from an international number. The very next day, three individuals arrived at Bakshi's showroom on a scooter, reiterating the massive financial demand and issuing threats of severe consequences if the money was not paid promptly.
"The intimidation was direct and alarming," Satish explained. "First came the digital threat from abroad, followed immediately by physical confrontation at his place of business."
Police Response Sparks Outrage
Traders have expressed deep frustration with what they describe as police inaction following the reported crime. Despite bringing the incident to official attention, no First Information Report (FIR) was registered initially, according to local business representatives.
"Police are citing Standard Operating Procedures and claiming a case cannot be registered," Satish stated. "If that's truly the case, then whose responsibility is it to stop these criminals?"
Traders Unite in Protest
Angered by the perceived lack of response, representatives from trader organizations across Rohtak district jointly met with the Superintendent of Police on Monday. They submitted a formal memorandum demanding immediate registration of an FIR and implementation of concrete security measures to protect local businesses.
"This isn't an isolated incident," Satish revealed. "Nearly 25 traders in Rohtak district have received similar threats in recent times. Some allegedly paid the money and chose to remain silent, while a few even went missing."
Broader Pattern of Threats Emerges
The public nature of the threat against Bakshi appears to have emboldened other victims to come forward. According to trader accounts, only after Bakshi's situation became widely known did others gather the courage to raise the issue collectively.
Satish further alleged that small traders who approach police stations or outposts with complaints often face rude and insensitive behavior from personnel. "We raised four extortion-related cases recently, and in all of them, the police response was unsatisfactory," he claimed.
Police Statement and Ongoing Investigation
When contacted for comment, ASP (Headquarters) Shashi Shekhar stated that police are investigating all such cases with sincerity and providing security to those who require it according to established protocol. The officer emphasized that appropriate action would be taken as per legal procedures.
Despite this assurance, the trading community remains apprehensive, calling for more decisive action against what they perceive as a growing pattern of criminal intimidation targeting local businesses in Rohtak.
