Giving ?donations? to buy peace!

With law and order at its nadir top criminals are having a hey day without committing murders, loot or dacoity. They are making good money while sitting in their dens.

With law and order at its nadir top criminals are having a hey day without committing murders, loot or dacoity. They are making good money while sitting in their dens.

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Rich businessmen, doctors , engineers and people of other professions are doling out good amount to them from time to time in a bid to lead a peaceful life in the name of donation. Dubbed as agreed extortion without bringing the police into picture this business had been going on in the city ever since the sensational kidnapping of Dr Kartike Sharma took place. Interestingly, no money had reached the alleged kidnappers in this case but a sum of Rs 90 lakh had gone to a criminal turned politician MP.

There's another criminal turned MLA who too is in the same business of making money in this manner. Cops, despite having knowledge of their activity have chosen to act as silent spectators because they are close to the corridors of power. The powers-that-be shield them because they also need them for something or the other. As a result their nexus continues to flourish with impunity. A good number of professionals have sought protection from these 'powerful' people for a safe and hassle-free life. On their part, in return of money, the bosses go to any length to solve any of their problems with just a phone call. This has given rise to a flourishing money minting industry.

Then there are other set of criminals who too are following the footsteps of their counterparts. They are also extorting money from the rich and famous in the city without kidnapping them or their children. A simple phone call is enough followed by another to send the money at a certain place, said a police officer on condition of anonymity. He cites lack of faith in the police men as the main reason behind this.

Those agreeing to part with some cash are those who want to lead a peaceful life without coming into picture. They don't trust the police at all. They feel it is better to go to criminals rather than the police, said the officer. Some of them like Rajesh Yadav are even operating from the Naini Central Jail.

On Thursday, the crime branch tracked down two youngsters who after meeting Rajesh Yadav in the Jail had hatched a conspiracy to extort money from a Kareli-based builder who is also pradhan of a village in the neighbouring Kaushambi district.

Both the youngsters had telephoned the builder to arrange Rs 10 lakh in case he wanted to see his children studying in BHS alive.

The builder was so terrified that he immediately agreed to give away the demanded sum of money and also begged them to spare the lives of his children.

The mental condition of this builder deteriorated to such an extent that he has almost become bed ridden after informing the police.

While Rajesh Yadav has come into picture in this case there are several others like him whom the police can not dare touch. With a number of powerful politicians shielding criminals the task of the police force has also become difficult. There are black sheeps too among the cops who are also allegedly hand in glove with the criminals making the situation grim.