📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Crime
Minister Prahlad Patel’s aide accused of Rs 7.20 lakh extortion in Rajgarh, case filed
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 14 Oct 2026, 09:01 PM
👁 15
A police case has been lodged against Shantilal Meena for allegedly posing as a close associate of Minister Prahlad Patel to extort Rs 7.20 lakh from the husband of a district panchayat president in Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh.
Police in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh have registered a criminal case against Shantilal Meena. The investigation alleges that Meena pretended to be a close confidant of state minister Prahlad Patel in order to secure Panchayat and road‑construction contracts for the complainants.
According to the FIR, Meena approached the husband of the district Panchayat president, promising to facilitate the award of local development projects. He subsequently demanded a payment of Rs 7.20 lakh, which the victim handed over under duress.
Authorities say the extortion attempt was uncovered after the victim reported the incident. The case is now under investigation, and Meena has been summoned for questioning. Further legal action will depend on the outcome of the probe.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about misuse of political influence in local governance and the vigilance of law‑enforcement agencies in curbing such practices.
According to the FIR, Meena approached the husband of the district Panchayat president, promising to facilitate the award of local development projects. He subsequently demanded a payment of Rs 7.20 lakh, which the victim handed over under duress.
Authorities say the extortion attempt was uncovered after the victim reported the incident. The case is now under investigation, and Meena has been summoned for questioning. Further legal action will depend on the outcome of the probe.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about misuse of political influence in local governance and the vigilance of law‑enforcement agencies in curbing such practices.