SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, May 3: Alleged extortion demand of Rs 1 crore from a private clinic owner and doctor has created panic among the doctors of the coal city.
The criminal has demanded Rs 1 crore as extortion from Suyash Clinic owner Dr Samir Kumar (surgeon) in the name of the dreaded Aman Singh Gang. Besides Rs 1 crore, the criminal has also asked him to pay Rs 5 lakh per month as extortion.
The doctor took the threat seriously when the extortionist claiming himself Chotu Singh rang for the second time on Monday in 20 days.
The criminal on the telephone (that is recorded) asked him to pay Rs1 crore if he wants the safety of his family.
Aman Singh is presently lodged in Dhanbad jail. This is the first time that extortion has been demanded through direct calls. Last year, the criminals demanded extortion from four posh businessmen of Dhanbad through WhatsApp messages.
Dr Samir along with Indian Medical Association (IMA) Dhanbad chapter secretary Dr Sushil Singh met the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjiv Kumar and complained about the incident.
The administration had given Dr Samir a security guard but in the wake of the Panchayat election, it was withdrawn. Now, after the extortion call and threat, the doctor has shifted his family from Dhanbad from a safety point of view.
A senior police officer said the case is being investigated and police are monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the IMA district chapter has expressed concern over the rising assaults and extortion calls from doctors in the coal belt. Five days ago (April 28), IMA secretary Dr Sushil Singh was attacked on GT road under Govindpur police station when he along with his wife was coming in a car. But the bike-borne assaulters have not been arrested even after five days.
“Victim doctor has not asked the IMA in detail to raise the issue. However, after getting the complaint in writing, IMA would initiate steps for raising the issue with the administration,” said Dr Major Chandan, president of the IMA Dhanbad chapter.
Two years ago, similar extortion calls were reported by famous doctors of Ranchi and police later arrested some criminals in this connection.
