Gujarat cracks down on RTI extortionists, 38 cases filed, district-wise list prepared

A total of 38 cases were registered against certain individuals for wrongfully using the Right to Information (RTI) to extort officials. The total number of such cases in Gujarat stands at 67, informed the state government of Gujarat on Tuesday.

Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi informed in Tuesday's Gujarat Vidhan Sabha session that numerous extortion incidents under the guise of RTI applications have come to light against residents and other builders in Surat. 

Strict action was taken by the Commissioner of Police's office, leading to the registration of 24 cases of extortion in various police stations, and a total of 25 arrests were made.  

Moreover, a total of 19 accused have been legally prosecuted for publishing information in the media or using other tactics to extort money.

In total, 38 cases have been filed. Due to this strict action, many such individuals have gone underground, while others have fled the state, claimed Sanghavi. 

Sanghavi informed the Legislative Assembly that individuals like extortionist Mohammed Miya Shakir Sabbir Miya, who harassed women have been arrested.

Moreover, Mustaq Beg, along with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, as well as Habib Sayyed, Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Mohammed Bilal Sheikh Sabir Abdul Sheikh, and Rauf Bombaywala, have been arrested and charged with extortion. 

The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) and police in every district will compile a list of such fraudulent elements who extort money by misusing RTI in government offices, said Sanghavi.