Daijiworld Media Network - Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh, Nov 28: Tension gripped the town after well-known fruit trader Kanhaiyalal Khatik, popularly known as Chittorgarh’s ‘Bappi Lahiri’ for his love of gold jewellery, alleged that he received an extortion demand of Rs 5 crore from individuals claiming association with dreaded gangster Rohit Godara.
According to police sources, the ordeal began two days ago when Khatik received a missed call from an unknown number, followed by a WhatsApp call. When he did not respond, an audio message was sent to him, issuing a chilling warning that he “would not remain in a condition to wear gold” if he failed to pay the demanded amount. He was also advised to settle the matter quietly.
The intimidation reportedly continued with another phone call repeating the extortion threat. Following this, Khatik approached the City Kotwali Police Station, where a formal complaint was registered.
Kanhaiyalal Khatik, now a prosperous businessman, once pushed a vegetable cart before entering the fruit trade. His fortunes soared after he began dealing in apples, and his fondness for heavy gold ornaments earned him the nickname ‘Goldman’. He is known to wear nearly 3.5 kg of gold regularly, making him a prominent figure in the region.
Who is Rohit Godara?
Godara, hailing from Lunakaran in Bikaner, is believed to be operating from Canada. With more than 32 criminal cases registered against him across India, he has been associated with several high-profile crimes. Police say he previously ran extortion networks targeting Rajasthan businessmen.
He is a key accused in the sensational murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala in May last year and is also linked to the killing of gangster Raju Thehat in Sikar. Investigations reveal that Godara fled New Delhi on June 13, 2022, using a fake passport under the name ‘Pawan Kumar’. An Interpol Red Notice remains active against him.
Police have intensified their probe into the latest extortion incident, while security around Khatik has been reportedly strengthened as precautionary measure.