Ahmedabad traffic cop held for extorting over ₹5 lakh from trader in Nikol

In a significant development in the Nikol traffic extortion case, the Ahmedabad Police on Saturday arrested a head constable for allegedly allowing and facilitating the coercion of a city-based trader, who was forced to part with ₹5.88 lakh after being stopped near Dastan Circle around one-and-a-half months ago.

The case, which initially surfaced after the victim approached senior police officials with evidence, has now widened to include three Traffic Regulation Brigade (TRB) personnel and a head constable, all accused of involvement in the scheme.

Trader forced to pay online and in cash

As per the FIR, the trader was stopped by a team of traffic personnel near Dastan Circle in Nikol. What began as a routine traffic check escalated into alleged intimidation, during which the trader was compelled to transfer money through online transactions and hand over cash. Investigators estimate the total amount extorted to be ₹5.88 lakh.

Police sources said the victim was first threatened with severe action on “fabricated violations” and then told that the matter could be “settled on the spot”. The transaction was carried out partly in digital mode and partly in cash.

Head constable arrested for enabling the extortion

On Saturday, the Crime Branch arrested Head Constable Nagjibhai Shankarbhai Chaudhary, who was present at the spot during the incident and allegedly approved the act.

Nagjibhai has been serving in the Gujarat Police for nearly 10 years, and for the past 15 months, he has been posted at the I Division Traffic Police Station. Police officials stated that he “failed in his duty as a supervising officer and instead permitted the extortion to take place”.

A magistrate’s court has granted police two days’ remand of the head constable for custodial interrogation.

Two TRB personnel arrested earlier, one still on the run

The investigation first led to the arrest of TRB personnel Rajesh Patani and Vishal Patani, both of whom are alleged to have played an active role in stopping the trader and demanding the money.

A third TRB member, Ajay Patani, is absconding. Police teams have launched a search to trace him and are examining his financial records and movements over the last week.

Recovery made from multiple accounts

Senior officials said that part of the extorted amount has already been recovered from several bank accounts linked to the accused. Investigators are now tracing other possible transactions and checking whether the group had extorted money from traders or motorists in a similar fashion previously.

‘Strict action will be taken,’ says ACP

ACP Krunal Desai (I Division) told media persons, “The case is being investigated thoroughly. We have already arrested the head constable and two TRB personnel, and efforts are on to nab the third accused. Some amount has been recovered, and further financial scrutiny is underway. Strict departmental and legal action will follow."

Wider angle under scrutiny

Sources within the police said the department is also examining whether this was an isolated incident or part of a wider pattern of extortion in the area. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the stretch around Dastan Circle and checking previous complaints against the team.

The accused may also face departmental suspension and dismissal proceedings depending on the findings of the investigation.

The case has raised questions about the misuse of authority at the local traffic police level and prompted calls for stronger oversight of TRB personnel, who are auxiliary staff deployed to assist the police in traffic management.

The investigation is ongoing.