Were Gujarat AAP youth leader and accomplice arrested for extortion?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident, AAP youth leader Shravan Joshi and his associate have been arrested in Surat for allegedly extorting money from ration shop owners. The investigation reveals a disturbing pattern of intimidation involving fake videos and threats. What does this mean for the party and the community? Read on for the full story.
Key Takeaways
- Shravan Joshi and Sampat Chaudhary were arrested for extortion.
- The duo allegedly threatened shopkeepers with fake videos.
- Police are investigating the involvement of more people.
- The incident raises questions about political accountability.
- The investigation is ongoing, with serious implications for the AAP.
Surat, Dec 30 (NationPress) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) youth leader Shravan Joshi along with his accomplice Sampat Chaudhary were taken into custody by the Surat Police on Tuesday for their alleged involvement in an extortion scheme targeting ration shop owners. Both individuals are currently held in police custody while authorities conduct interrogations related to the case.
The complaints stemmed from a ration shop owner in the Limbayat area of Surat city who accused Shravan Joshi, the general secretary of the AAP youth wing, of threatening him with 'fake' videos and coercing him for money.
The shop owner, Nilesh More, reported to the police that he was extorted for Rs 1 lakh by the duo, who warned him of damaging his reputation by posting videos of alleged theft on social media and hinted at the cancellation of his shop's license.
Authorities are exploring the possibility of additional individuals being implicated in this extortion attempt.
Reports indicate that Shravan Joshi frequently visited government-run ration shops, documenting the distribution of rations to the needy. He would subsequently share these videos on Facebook, accusing the shops of providing less than the mandated ration to consumers.
Following the circulation of these videos, his associate Sampat Chaudhary allegedly demanded Rs 25,000 monthly from the shopkeepers. Facing immense pressure, the shopkeepers arranged to pay a lump sum at Mangal Pandey Hall in Limbayat, where they negotiated a total of Rs 3.5 lakh.
Upon payment of Rs 1 lakh as an initial amount, the transaction was recorded on video. After the shop owner lodged a complaint with the Surat Police, a case was registered against the AAP leader and his accomplice, leading to their arrest.
DCP Rajdeep Singh Nakum stated that these individuals would visit government shops, create videos showcasing insufficient grain distribution to the poor, and subsequently upload these clips on Facebook to intimidate shopkeepers.
Furthermore, DCP Nakum revealed that Shravan Joshi is a cloth merchant affiliated with the AAP.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities do not rule out the involvement of more individuals.
Point of View
I believe the recent arrest of AAP youth leader Shravan Joshi raises significant concerns regarding the behaviors of political figures and their accountability. This incident not only affects public trust in the party but also highlights the pressing issue of corruption within our systems. It is essential that we seek to uphold the integrity of our leaders and ensure that justice prevails.
NationPress
31/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges have been filed against Shravan Joshi?
Shravan Joshi has been charged with extortion after a ration shop owner accused him of threatening to release fake videos unless paid.
What was the amount extorted from the shop owner?
The shop owner reported being extorted for Rs 1 lakh by Shravan Joshi and his accomplice.
What tactics did the accused use to intimidate shopkeepers?
The accused allegedly used fake videos to threaten shopkeepers, claiming they would defame them online.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, the police investigation is ongoing, and they are examining whether additional individuals were involved.
What is the current status of Shravan Joshi and Sampat Chaudhary?
Both Shravan Joshi and Sampat Chaudhary are currently in police custody and being interrogated.
