Jind: A spate of alleged extortion threats targeting traders and businessmen in Jind has triggered fear among the business community, with three such incidents reported in a fortnight.The victims include two traders from Jind and a hatchery owner from Safidon.In the last fortnight, members of the trading community met the superintendent of police thrice, seeking action against those issuing threats and demanding better security. However, concerns persist among traders, who allege that despite assurances of appropriate action and protection, the police have been reluctant to disclose details of such cases.So far, only one victim has publicly come forward, despite the reported complaints to the police. Two others have reportedly declined to speak publicly, citing security concerns.In one of the cases, a hardware trader in Jind allegedly received an extortion demand of Rs 3 crore through a WhatsApp voice call from an international number. The caller allegedly threatened to kill him if the money was not paid.According to the complaint filed by Aakash Garg, also known as Sonu Garg, the call was received on Oct 10 while he was at his shop – Garg Paint Sanitary and Hardware – on the Bhiwani Road.The caller allegedly identified himself as Sundar Kala, a resident of Rohtak district, and demanded Rs 3 crore, Garg alleged.The trader also reportedly received a voice note containing further threats. He subsequently approached the police, seeking legal action and an investigation into the caller.Jind City police registered an FIR on Oct 24 under Sections 308(5) and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The case is under investigation, and the allegations are yet to be established in court, officials said.The alleged method used to threaten traders appears similar across the reported incidents. According to information, the callers use different numbers to make WhatsApp voice calls and subsequently send audio recordings containing threats.The recordings allegedly warn the recipients against approaching the police and threaten to kill them if the extortion money is not paid.The repeated incidents have heightened anxiety among traders, who fear that the threats could escalate into acts of violence. Business representatives are seeking effective police action, identification of those behind the calls and adequate security for the targeted businessmen, said Mahavir Computer, district president of the Vyapar Mandal.
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