Prakash Rathod Arrested for Extorting Rs22 Lakh from Textile Businessman

In a shocking case of extortion, Udhana police have arrested Prakash Rathod, a self-styled journalist, for allegedly extorting Rs22 lakh from a textile businessman by threatening to get his factory shed demolished. Rathod, who claimed to be the editor of the weekly Pavitra Darpan, initially demanded Rs30 lakh from Alpesh Ghelani, the owner of Avadh Fabrics in the Laxminarayan Industries Estate. However, Ghelani paid Rs22 lakh in six instalments.

According to the police, Rathod first approached Ghelani in January 2024 while construction was underway on his factory plots, numbered Z-210 to Z-215. Rathod allegedly took photographs of the site and threatened Ghelani, claiming he would file complaints with the Surat Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) South Zone office and the district collector’s Swagat portal, which would result in the demolition of the factory shed.

The businessman, fearing the demolition, agreed to a deal with Rathod, who initially demanded Rs30 lakh. After several threats, the amount was settled at Rs25.21 lakh, and Ghelani made payments in six instalments. However, Ghelani refused to pay the remaining Rs3.21 lakh after handing over the majority of the amount.

Rathod later followed through on his threats and filed a complaint with the SMC, prompting the civic body’s demolition squad to issue a notice after inspecting the factory shed in December 2024.

In his complaint to the police, Ghelani had carefully documented each payment made to Rathod in a diary, with Rathod’s signature acknowledging the payments. This diary played a crucial role in helping the Udhana police build their case.

Police recovered an ID card from Rathod identifying him as the editor of the weekly Pavitra Darpan, though they are currently verifying its authenticity. Preliminary investigations have also revealed that Rathod may have distributed the extorted money among 25 bogus journalists. The police are now investigating their involvement and plan to take action against anyone found guilty.

Udhana Police Inspector SN Desai confirmed the arrest, adding that the investigation was ongoing and more arrests could follow.

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