Top News

Yameen Vikat, Thakurdwara. These days the political and social atmosphere is completely heated in Thakurdwara of Moradabad district. In fact, Municipal Council Chairman Irfan Saifi has been seriously accused of demanding a huge extortion money of Rs 50 lakh from a local businessman. This matter has now gained political significance. On Wednesday, Shiv Sena workers demonstrated vigorously at the Police Officer (CO) office demanding immediate arrest of the accused chairman and submitted a memorandum to the police administration.

Dozens of workers under the leadership of Shiv Sena district chief Virendra Arora reached the CO office in the afternoon. The protesters clearly say that harassment of traders will not be tolerated at any cost in the ‘Hinduist government’ of the state. Activists alleged that on one hand the government is claiming to provide a safe environment to traders, while on the other influential people are openly involved in the game of extortion and threats.

What is the whole matter of extortion of Rs 50 lakh?

Actually, this whole controversy started when Avnish Kumar Singhal, a reputed businessman of the city, lodged a complaint with the police. According to the complaint, Municipality Chairman Irfan Saifi has demanded extortion money of Rs 50 lakh from them. The victim businessman alleges that the chairman is not only mentally harassing him but is also threatening him and his business with dire consequences if he does not pay the money.

In this case, the Kotwali police have registered a case on the basis of the complaint, but due to the arrest of the accused till now, there is a lot of anger among the local businessmen and opposition organizations. Shiv Sena workers say that despite the case being registered, the laxity of the police raises many questions.

‘Security is the government’s priority, then why the delay?’

In the memorandum submitted to CO Ashish Kumar, Shiv Sena directly cited the priorities of the state government. Activists said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath intends to adopt a policy of zero tolerance against goons and mafias. The memorandum demands that adequate security should be given to businessman Avneesh Singhal and accused chairman Irfan Saifi should be immediately arrested and sent to jail.

During the protest, local leaders warned that if the police did not take concrete action soon, Shiv Sena would be forced to protest on a larger scale. The activists demanded a fair investigation and said that no attempt should be made to hush up the matter under any political pressure.

Police assurance: The picture will be clear only through impartial investigation.

Police area officer Ashish Kumar met Shiv Sena workers amid heavy protests and sloganeering. While accepting the memorandum, he pacified the angry workers and assured of appropriate action considering the seriousness of the matter. The CO clarified that the police is investigating every aspect of the case closely.

Speaking to the media, Ashish Kumar said, “A case has been registered on the basis of the complaint. The police is collecting evidence and the investigation will be completely fair. Whoever is found guilty, strictest action will be taken against him under the law.” Many people including Kamal Singh Rao, Sompal Singh, Arun Thakur and victim businessman Avnish Kumar Singhal were present during the demonstration. In view of the tension in the area, the police administration also seems to be alert.