Nagpur: In a case involving the alleged extortion of money from an RTO (Regional Transport Office) agent, journalist Sunil Suklal Hazari (44) was caught red-handed by the police and subsequently arrested. Hazari, who holds the position of Chief Editor at a well-known newspaper, has had his police custody extended until September 1, according to PSI Nilesh Ghogre.
The hearing took place before Judge H.S. Uke, with Advocates Ranjit Sarde and Shriram Devas assisting in the prosecution. PSI Ghogre revealed that the police need to recover the sum of one lakh rupees, which Hazari allegedly extorted, from his residence. Additionally, there are other complainants who have expressed their intention to file complaints against Hazari.
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Sat 21 Dec. 2024
The arrest stemmed from a complaint lodged by Dhanraj, alias Titu Sharma (55), an agent at the RTO in Babadeepsinghnagar. Sharma has been associated with the rural RTO for several years. Recently, three officers from the Nagpur Rural RTO were suspended in connection with another case, in which Hazari had published a report implicating Sharma. In retaliation, Hazari allegedly demanded a sum of 10 lakhs from Sharma to suppress the news report. After negotiations, the amount was settled at seven lakhs. On August 28, Sharma paid the first installment of one lakh rupees, but unwilling to pay more, he approached the Sadar Police Station.
Following instructions from Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Madne, the police set up a trap. On Thursday, Hazari arrived near a tea stall close to the VCA Stadium to collect 80,000 rupees. The two then moved to an ice cream shop, where Hazari was caught in the act of accepting the money. The arrest has caused a stir in the community. Hazari reportedly attempted to resist the police, but a case was officially registered against him later that night around 9 p.m.
