Nikol extortion case: Ahmedabad police chief suspends I-Traffic PI for ‘serious negligence’

In a stern administrative action following allegations of extortion by traffic personnel in Nikol three months ago, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G S Malik on Friday suspended Police Inspector N K Rabari of the I-Traffic Police Station for gross negligence, lack of supervision and repeated dereliction of duty.

The suspension order running over several pages cites “grave lapses” in PI Rabari’s supervision at Dastan Circle on August 17, when four personnel allegedly stopped a Mumbai-based businessman and coerced him into paying ₹5.87 lakh through cash, net banking and Google Pay.

Case resurfaced after internal probe

According to the order, the victim’s Hyundai Creta was intercepted between 4 pm and 9 pm near Dastan Circle. The policemen, two in white shirts and blue trousers, one in khaki and another in civilian clothes allegedly took him and his brother into a cabin, checked their phones, and threatened to book them in a cricket-betting case unless they paid money.

The complainant later alleged that the team forcibly collected ₹1 lakh in cash and ₹4.87 lakh online, totalling ₹5.87 lakh.

A formal complaint was lodged on September 19, leading to registration of a case under BNS sections at Nikol Police Station.

Multiple arrests, one constable absconding

The probe identified the involvement of one head constable and three TRB personnel. Those named include:

1. Nagjibhai Shankarbhai Chaudhary (Head Constable)— arrested
2. Rajesh Prahladbhai (TRB) arrested earlier
3. Vishal Ashokbhai(TRB) — arrested earlier
4. Ajay Patni (TRB)— still absconding

Chaudhary, who has served nearly 10 years in the force, was allegedly part of the extortion team.

Repeated harassment and failure of supervision

The commissioner’s order notes that despite repeated complaints of victims being harassed on the Ring Road stretch under the I-Traffic jurisdiction, PI Rabari “failed to curb such illegal activities”.

The order states:

* Rabari’s jobsheet showed that the implicated personnel were indeed deployed at Dastan Circle at the time.

* The incident caused “serious damage to the image of the police force”.

* His supervision was “clearly lacking”, making his continuation in the post “against public interest”.

Immediate suspension; headquarters fixed at Shahibaug

Under the Rule of the Mumbai Police Discipline and Appeal Rules, 1956, Rabari has been Suspended with immediate effect and assigned headquarters at Police Headquarters, Shahibaug

Shockwaves in Traffic Division

The suspension of a Police Inspector for supervisory failure has reportedly caused unease across the Traffic Department. Officers privately acknowledged that the order signals the Commissioner’s intent to crack down on corrupt practices in field-level traffic enforcement.

The commissioner has also directed a departmental inquiry, indicating that further action may follow.

The case continues to be investigated, with efforts underway to trace the absconding TRB personnel.