RTI activist booked for extortion in Chhota Udepur

Chotaudepur: The Chotaudepur Police has booked an RTI activist named Rasiklal for allegedly attempting to extort Rs. 50 lakh from the Deputy Sarpanch of Pavi Jetpur Panchayat, Ankit Shah, also known as Montu Shah.

Montu Shah, using government grants, had built a shed near the vegetable market for the convenience of local vendors. However, Rasiklal, who owns a house near the vegetable market, wanted to use the space for commercial purposes. Rasiklal filed multiple applications in various offices and courts, but with no wrongdoing on Montu’s part, the court granted the order in his favor. Subsequently, Montu Shah approached Rasiklal, requesting him not to work against the Panchayat. It was during this interaction that Rasiklal allegedly demanded Rs. 50 lakh.

Later, in an attempt to gather evidence of the extortion demand, a relative of Montu Shah conducted a sting operation in which Rasiklal allegedly admitted to demanding Rs. 50 lakh. He also mentioned that the initial plan was to demand Rs. 1 crore, but due to a mistake, he demanded Rs. 50 lakh on that particular day. Following this, the Deputy Sarpanch filed a complaint against Rasiklal for mental harassment and extortion. Taking note of the complaint, the police have booked the RTI activist and are taking further action. DeshGujarat