Jaipur: Extortion threats issued by gangsters to traders and professionals dominated Zero Hour in the Assembly Tuesday, triggering heated exchanges between the Opposition and Treasury benches. Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati said threats from gangsters operating from abroad and even from inside prisons became commonplace. “Internet-based calling was used to intimidate businessmen, doctors and other prominent members of society for extortion. Even if a small grocery shop is running properly, it receives threats.” He said fear gripped the business community. “Those who receive threats are unable to visit their shops, showrooms or establishments. Their children cannot go to school. Families are virtually confined to their homes,” he said. Bhati demanded action against organised crime, calling for a crackdown on the lines of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Mumbai. “If action is taken against one, it will send a message to the rest.” Coincidentally, Kishangarh MLA Vikas Choudhary also sought to raise a similar issue by submitting a slip to the chair but Bhati was allowed to speak during Zero Hour. Later, he told the media, “The issue needs urgent attention. In my constituency, several cases of such extortion of traders by these gangsters were reported,” Choudhary said. Responding to the concerns, minister of state for home Jawahar Singh Bedam launched a counterattack on the previous Congress govt. “Under your rule, criminals would fire bullets standing on your chest. You did nothing in response and did not allow officers to function,” he alleged. Bedam said the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) intensified operations in 2024, forming 36,484 teams and conducting raids at over 1.23 lakh locations across the state. He cited several high-profile actions, including the arrest of Amarjeet Bishnoi, a Rs 50,000 rewardee linked to the Rohit Godara gang, from Italy. “Sudha Kanwar, wife of gang member Amardeep Bishnoi, was also arrested from Italy. Aditya Jain alias Tony was apprehended from Dubai, and Amit Sharma was detained in the United States with assistance from the CBI and Interpol,” Bedam said. “We will act firmly against criminals,” he said.
