Rajkot: A 42-year-old woman was allegedly duped of Rs 26 lakh by a group of people who promised to secure bail for her husband, arrested in connection with an alleged embezzlement of around Rs 2 crore in Gondal. The accused claimed the money would be paid to police, court and jail officials to ensure his release and protect him from harassment in custody.Gondal City B Division police have registered a complaint against Ravi Ramani, who identified himself as a scribe, Ajay Delawala, Mayur Soni and others under Sections 61(2), 308(7) and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The allegations include conspiracy, extortion and criminal intimidation.According to the complaint filed by Sonal Dhol, her husband worked at an angadia firm in Gondal. After his name surfaced in a case involving the embezzlement of approximately Rs 2 crore, he went underground. Police later arrested him and lodged him in Gondal sub-jail.Sonal alleged that in June, her maternal uncle, Ravji Kalariya, visited her home with Mayur Soni. They claimed to have contacts who could help resolve police and court-related matters.Later that month, Sonal was called to a location near Gundala bridge, where she met Soni and others. According to the complaint, Ravi Ramani and Ajay Delawala warned her that her father-in-law could also be implicated in the case. They then demanded Rs 26 lakh, claiming the amount was necessary to secure her husband’s bail within a month and ensure he was not harassed in jail.Trusting their assurances, Sonal arranged the money using household savings, loans from relatives and a loan secured against her gold jewellery. However, when her husband was not granted bail despite the assurances, she grew suspicious and began making inquiries independently. She further alleged that after the accused learnt about her inquiries, they called her and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the matter to anyone. They also warned that her husband would face greater difficulties in jail.Sonal told police that she had initially refrained from filing a complaint because her husband was in custody and she feared their threats. She eventually decided to approach the police.Preliminary investigation has revealed that Ravi Ramani operates a news-related platform on social media. Police are expected to investigate the roles of the accused and trace the money paid by the complainant.
