Extortion Demanded from Spa Center and Cafe Operators in the Name of Bajrang Dal
A man named Rishabh Thakur has been arrested for allegedly demanding extortion from operators of spa centers and cafes under the pretext of representing the Bajrang Dal in Bareilly, India.
In Bareilly, police have arrested Rishabh Thakur, a district-banished individual, for allegedly attempting to extort money from spa center and cafe operators in the area, using the name of Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist organization. Despite being banned from the district for six months due to previous offenses, Thakur reportedly returned and continued his illegal activities, instilling fear among local business owners.
The allegations against Thakur include a specific demand for 40,000 rupees from the owner of a spa center, which reportedly came to light through a viral audio clip. The tape contained evidence of Thakur's threat, prompting the police to act upon the complaint filed in the Baradari police station. Local authorities moved quickly to apprehend him, conducting a raid in a newly built residential colony associated with Bareilly Development Authority (BDA).
This incident raises concerns about the rise of extortion rackets operating under the guise of communal organizations like Bajrang Dal, highlighting a trend that threatens the safety and operations of local businesses. The case also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling organized crime within the community, especially when it involves individuals with previous criminal records.