Seed sellers stage sit-in protest in Sikar

Jhunjhunu: Allegations of extortion against members of Agriculture minister Kirodi Lal Meena’s alleged decoy team in Sikar have triggered a political storm, even as seed traders launched an indefinite sit-in protest Wednesday demanding action against the accused.

The controversy escalated after an extortion case was registered at Sikar’s Sadar police station against Sandeep and Rajneesh, said to be associated with the decoy team, while a counter-case of obstruction in government work was filed against the traders. The matter has since taken a political turn, with Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra demanding Meena’s resignation.

Seed traders began their protest outside the Sikar collectorate, seeking the arrest of those accused of illegal extortion and withdrawal of the case registered against the traders, which they termed false.

According to the complaint filed by Ramlal, operator of Vikas Seeds, on June 5, his son Vikas received a phone call on June 2 from a person claiming to be minister Meena’s OSD and demanding Rs 20 lakh. Repeated calls were allegedly made to pressure him into paying the money.

Ramlal alleged that on June 4, Vikas was called to Hotel Jhankar near Sanwali Circle. When those present were asked to show identity cards, Sandeep failed to produce any document proving he was a government employee. Growing suspicious, Ramlal and others tried to detain them. One of the three men allegedly fled, while Sandeep and Rajneesh were caught and handed over to the police.

Subsequently, the decoy team members lodged a complaint against the traders under various sections, including obstruction in government work. The traders, in turn, filed a case alleging illegal extortion.

Sharing documents related to the FIR and the ACB investigation on social media platform X, Dotasra questioned why Meena continued to publicly defend the decoy team despite the allegations. He alleged that Sandeep’s name had surfaced in the bribery and extortion case and said the minister should resign on moral grounds.

The protesting traders reiterated their demand for the arrest of those involved in the alleged extortion and the withdrawal of the case against Ramlal and others. Police said the investigation is underway.