The Gujarat Crime Investigation Department (CID) has issued summonses to approximately 300 Right to Information (RTI) activists across the state. The move is part of an effort to verify their credentials and investigate the purposes for which they utilized the information obtained under the RTI Act.
This action follows the booking of Ahmedabad-based RTI activist Mahendra Patel in four cases of alleged extortion since January. The summoned activists are reportedly linked to Mahendra through social media platforms. The summonses have been issued under Section 91 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which authorizes the department to summon individuals to produce necessary documents or materials for any investigation.
Superintendent of Police CID (Crime) Mukesh Patel stated, “We have chosen to proactively verify the credentials of around 300 other RTI activists and also ascertain the purposes for which they utilized the information obtained from various departments.”
A recent complaint was filed against Mukesh Patel by a school in Surat. Patel had obtained some information via RTI and later threatened the school with license revocation, extorting around 66 lakh from the school. Consequently, Mahendra has been booked under sections 384, 389 and 170 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Also Read: Gourav Vallabh Quits Congress
