Explainer: Here’s how extortion calls are shaking up Haryana’s political capital Rohtak

Rohtak, often regarded as the political capital of Haryana, is once again in the spotlight. This time not for politics, but for a worrying rise in crime. The city has recently witnessed back-to-back extortion threats targeting prominent individuals, delivered through WhatsApp voice messages. Former Meham MLA Balraj Kundu and trader Hemant Bakshi are among those who have received extortion threats.How are extortion threats affecting Rohtak?The extortion threats have created a sense of insecurity and fear among residents and raised serious concerns about the prevailing law and order situation in the region. According to sources, the traders and other prominent individuals are under considerable stress due to such incidents. Many have reportedly stopped answering phone calls from unknown numbers.What is the modus operandi of the extortionists?The extortionists, allegedly linked to notorious gangs, typically initiate contact by making WhatsApp calls to their targets. If the calls go unanswered, they follow up with voice messages on WhatsApp demanding money. In the cases involving former Meham MLA Balraj Kundu and trade leader Hemant Bakshi, both initially ignored Whatsapp calls from unknown numbers. Subsequently, they received WhatsApp voice messages from the same international number demanding Rs 5 crore each. The caller also warned of dire consequences if the demand was not met.Why were traders and supporters of Kundu up in arms?The local traders expressed resentment over the delay in the registration of an FIR despite the written complaint having been submitted by their leader Hemant Bakshi 10 days ago. The delay prompted the traders to convene a meeting, during which they issued a warning to the police. They also met SP Surendra Singh Bhoria, urging him to register an FIR immediately. Similarly, supporters of Balraj Kundu took out a protest march and submitted a memorandum to the SDM, demanding strict action against those responsible for the act and sought enhanced security for their leader.What action has been taken by the police in the cases?The police has provided immediate security cover to both Kundu and Bakshi following the incidents. “Kundu, who has residences in Rohtak and Gurugram, was in Chandigarh when he received the extortion call. As the incident falls under Chandigarh’s jurisdiction, the zero FIR has been registered in Rohtak and forwarded to the Chandigarh Police. Security has been strengthened at Kundu’s Rohtak residence, with armed personnel deployed, barricading installed and round-the-clock patrolling in the surrounding area,” said the police spokesman. In trader Bakshi’s case, SP Surendra Singh Bhoria stated that Bakshi was also in Chandigarh when he received the extortion threat via the WhatsApp voice message, so the matter did not fall under Rohtak’s jurisdiction. He added that although Bakshi at present resided in Gurugram, necessary security arrangements were made at his old residence in Rohtak.Why are cases of extortion threats rising?Sources in the Police Department said the surge in extortion threats was not confined to Rohtak but was being reported from other parts of the state as well, largely due to the ease with which digital platforms could be used to target influential individuals from anywhere in the world. They explained that the use of foreign numbers and Internet-based calling services made it difficult for the police to nab the accused quickly. Moreover, bringing offenders back to India from other countries involved a lengthy process, which the criminals exploited. Taking advantage of these challenges, those operating from abroad were increasingly issuing extortion threats and demanding money while remaining beyond the immediate reach of local law enforcement agencies.

Explainer: Here’s how extortion calls are shaking up Haryana’s political capital Rohtak

Ex MLA Balraj Kundu, trader Hemant Bakshi have received threats delivered through WhatsApp voice messages

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Explainer: Here’s how extortion calls are shaking up Haryana’s political capital Rohtak

Ex MLA Balraj Kundu, trader Hemant Bakshi have received threats delivered through WhatsApp voice messages

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Unlock Premium Insights in This Article