Jaipur Police Officer Arrested in ₹1 Crore Extortion Scheme Involving Forged FIR
A 2019-batch Rajasthan Police Service (RPS) officer has been arrested in Jaipur for allegedly orchestrating an elaborate extortion scheme that involved fabricating official police documents and demanding ₹1 crore from a complainant during a financial dispute. The case highlights concerns about oversight within law enforcement ranks and the misuse of official authority for personal financial gain.
Background and Context
The arrest of Ritesh Patel, who was serving under APO (Awaiting Posting Order) status, came after investigations by Mahesh Nagar Police into allegations of financial fraud, intimidation, and extortion. According to police statements, the dispute originated from a financial transaction between Patel and the complainant, though specific details about the underlying business relationship remain unclear. The case emerged when the victim reported being subjected to repeated threats and monetary demands.
Key Figures and Entities
Ritesh Patel, a 2019-batch RPS officer, stands at the center of this investigation. Despite awaiting an official posting order, Patel allegedly exploited his law enforcement position to pressure the complainant. The Mahesh Nagar Police station received the initial complaint that triggered the investigation, while the Special Operations Group (SOG) was also implicated in the forged documents used in the extortion attempt. According to police officials, Patel was arrested from his residence at Kesar Chauraha in Jaipur during a pre-dawn operation on Tuesday at 2:30 AM.
Legal and Financial Mechanisms
The extortion scheme allegedly employed sophisticated intimidation tactics, including the creation of a counterfeit SOG FIR (First Information Report) which was sent to the victim to instill fear and compel payment. According to investigators, Patel demanded the ₹1 crore in installments: ₹25 lakh through electronic transfer and another ₹25 lakh in cash, with continued pressure for the remaining amount. This combination of digital and physical payment methods suggests an attempt to evade detection of the illicit financial trail. The forged SOG FIR represents a serious abuse of police authority, potentially undermining public trust in legitimate law enforcement processes.
International Implications and Policy Response
While this case is localized to Rajasthan, it reflects broader challenges in policing systems worldwide where officers exploit their authority for personal enrichment. The use of forged official documents in financial crimes represents an erosion of institutional integrity that requires systematic solutions. Law enforcement agencies must strengthen internal monitoring mechanisms, particularly for officers in transitional periods like APO status, who may operate with less direct supervision. The case also underscores the importance of robust whistleblower protections for those who report misconduct within police ranks, as such corruption can only thrive when fear silences potential witnesses.
Sources
This report draws on information provided by the Mahesh Nagar Police in Jaipur, official police statements regarding the arrest, and media reports from local law enforcement coverage. Information about the arrest was confirmed through police channels and reported on December 31, 2025.
