Haryana BJP councillor among four get extortion calls

Extortion calls demanding amounts ranging from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore were allegedly made to four persons, including a nominated BJP councillor, in Panipat, with the caller threatening to kill them and their family members if the money was not paid.

According to police, the caller identified himself as Randeep Malik, claiming links with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and allegedly operating from abroad. The threats were made through WhatsApp calls.

Dr Gaurav Shrivastava, a nominated BJP councillor and private hospital owner in Panipat city, reportedly received a call in which the caller demanded Rs 5 crore and claimed to have detailed information about his family, residence and hospital. He was threatened with dire consequences for non-payment.

Similarly, Yogesh Kumar and Rajneesh, owners of Mitthan Sweet Shop at Fatehpuri Chowk, also received a call from the same person, who allegedly demanded Rs 5 crore and warned them of being killed if they failed to arrange the money.

In another case, Sukrampal, a businessman from Israna, stated in his complaint that he received a WhatsApp call on March 24 in which the caller demanded Rs 10 crore. He owns agricultural land in Israna and has a showroom in Gurugram that is currently rented out.

On the same day, Harender, also from Israna, received a similar call with a demand for Rs 2 crore. He runs an electric shop and owns agricultural land in the area.

Following complaints, the City police and Tehsil Camp police have registered cases under various sections of the BNS against the accused and initiated investigations. However, the Israna police said no case has been registered so far in the complaints received there.