Suspended ASI (assistant superintendent of police) Deepak Jani, who was absconding after being named in the Junagadh police extortion case, was held by the Gujarat Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Mar 14.

Jani was arrested after he appeared at the ATS office.

It is noteworthy that ex-Manavadar circle police inspector (CPI) Taral Bhatt emerged as the prime accused in the case, in which suspended Special Operations Group (SOG) PI Arvind M Gohil and ASI Jani of Junagadh extorted money to unfreeze frozen bank accounts.

Significant evidence was found against Jani, who demanded money to unfreeze bank accounts, after which he was suspended and a thorough probe was launched against him.

The investigation in this case was later handed over to the ATS, which made the arrests of PI Bhatt on Feb 2 and his associate Deep Shah on Feb 28.

Sources in the Gujarat ATS said that Jani’s statement had been recorded earlier before a magistrate under Section 164 regarding PI Bhatt’s involvement, including providing bank account details and how to proceed with the financial fraud.

Since no remand was sought for the accused, Jani was sentenced to jail by Vanthli Sessions Judge NR Jain.

Meanwhile, ATS is on the lookout for ex-PI Gohil, another prime associate in this racket.

Also read:

PI Gohil, ASI Jani made chief witnesses in Taral Bhatt extortion case

Extortion by police: PI Taral Bhatt’s associate Deep Shah arrested by ATS