Gandhinagar : The Gujarat Police has successfully arrested multiple members of a gang that misused the Right to Information (RTI) Act for extortion. Addressing the Gujarat Legislative Assembly under Rule-116 on a matter of urgent public importance, Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghvi emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing such criminal activities.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, a crucial initiative has been launched where the Police Commissioner and Superintendent of Police hold monthly coordination meetings with elected representatives. During one such meeting, a serious concern was raised regarding the misuse of the RTI Act in Surat, where fraudsters had been extorting money from common citizens by exploiting legal loopholes.
67 Cases Registered Statewide Against RTI Misuse
Minister Sanghvi reaffirmed that the RTI Act is a sacred law meant to promote transparency, prevent corruption, and create public awareness. However, certain individuals have twisted this law for personal gain. In response, the Gujarat Police has taken stringent action, registering a total of 67 cases across the state against those misusing the act. The Minister assured that this is just the beginning and that the crackdown on such elements will intensify in the coming days.
“Misuse of the RTI Act will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of using this law for extortion. Reform or go to jail—this is my clear warning to those involved in such activities,” stated Minister Sanghvi in the Assembly.
41 Cases Filed in Surat Against Fake RTI Activists and YouTubers
The situation in Surat has been particularly alarming, with several individuals posing as RTI activists and YouTubers using the law to harass business owners and extort money. These fraudsters have reportedly targeted individuals in the construction sector, spreading false information and intimidating them under the guise of RTI queries.
A gang of RTI activists are active in the industrial estates such as Sachin GIDC where they extort money from the industry owners by filing RTIs with the engineering department of the GIDC. A person identified as Jashwant Brahmabhatt was arrested by the Sachin GIDC police.
During a recent coordination meeting, Surat’s Police Commissioner received formal complaints about these criminal activities. In response, the Special Operations Group (SOG) was directed to take immediate action. Authorities also urged victims to come forward and register complaints against the perpetrators.
So far, 41 cases have been filed in various police stations across Surat city, with charges pressed against 50 accused individuals. The police reports detail that 24 cases involve direct extortion under the RTI Act, while 17 cases pertain to threats of defamation through news publications or coercion under the pretense of illegal construction issues.
Government’s Firm Stand Against RTI Misuse
The Gujarat government has reinforced its stance on ensuring that the RTI Act serves its intended purpose. By taking decisive action against fraudulent activities, authorities aim to preserve the integrity of the law and protect innocent citizens from extortion.
