RTI activists and a local newspaper editor for masquerading as RTI activists to extort money from builders in Vasai-Virar region.
The Palghar police on Wednesday registered two fresh First Information Report (FIR) against politicians, RTI activists and a local newspaper editor for masquerading as RTI activists to extort money from builders in Vasai-Virar region. The Palghar police so far have registered ten cases since past one week.
The FIR was registered at Virar police station after builder Prashant Patil complained against Dhananjay Gawade, Shiv Sena corporator from Nallasopara and against three others for allegedly demanding information through RTI query and extorting Rs 15 Lakhs. The Virar police have arrested one of the accused in the case.
Another FIR was registered with Tulinj police against Gawade and his accomplice after builder Prakash Patil's complaint. Patil alleged that Gawade and his accomplice demanded Rs 1 Crore for taking back the complaint on the bungalow constructed by Patil. The Tulinj police have registered a case of extortion.
The Palghar police is on the trail of Dhananjay Gawade, the Shiv Sena corporator who is still absconding.
"We have formed teams to nab the absconding accused in the case. A total of ten FIRs have been registered. We are investigating the case further.", said a senior Palghar Local Crime Branch officer.
However, the police action as impacted other RTI activists in the area. They are now living in fear of being booked and arrested for seeking answers from the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation through RTI queries.
"We have never indulged into extortion while seeking replies through RTI queries. Now we are living in fear as we seek information from the civic body on a timely basis to ascertain any wrongdoings. It is our right to question the civic body but the police on behest of builders and politicians is on the spree to book people without ascertaining facts.", said a senior RTI activist.
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