Surat RTI Activist Arrested for Extorting Money from Builder
In a shocking case from Surat, the Chowk Bazar police have arrested a 37-year-old RTI activist, Prashant Kachhadiya, for allegedly extorting money from a local manufacturer by threatening action against his ongoing construction project. The incident highlights misuse of the Right to Information (RTI) Act for criminal activities.
Details of the Extortion Case
The complainant, Mansukh Pansuriya, a manufacturer who owns plots 11 to 14 in Katargam's Sahajanand Society, began refurbishing a run-down structure in March 2025 to construct a new four-storey building. According to police, Kachhadiya filed an RTI application with the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) against this construction and allegedly demanded Rs 20 lakh from Pansuriya, threatening to get the project demolished through RTI-related complaints.
Police inspector SD Ratada stated that after the RTI filing, SMC officials inspected the site, which triggered fear of demolition in the complainant. Under pressure, Pansuriya allegedly paid an initial instalment of Rs 50,000 to the accused. However, instead of paying more money, he recorded a video of Kachhadiya and later lodged a formal complaint with the police, leading to the arrest.
Background of the Parties Involved
Mansukh Pansuriya had purchased two plots in the society in 1995 and later acquired two additional plots, where he established a fridge manufacturing unit. In March 2025, he decided to demolish the old structure and began construction of the new building on the combined plots. The accused, Prashant Kachhadiya, is described by police as a habitual offender, with earlier involvement in a similar case booked by Adajan police.
Investigation and Legal Action: During the investigation, police alleged that Kachhadiya exploited the RTI process to intimidate and extort money. The case underscores the need for vigilance against such abuses of legal mechanisms. Authorities are continuing their probe to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
