By Vishwapati
Patna: An extortion demand of Rs 20 crore has been made to Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav, a close associate of Bihar’s Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav. The matter has been reported to the Secretariat Police Station for investigation.
The threat was issued via a WhatsApp call by international criminal Joginder Gyong, alias Joga Don, from a foreign number. Joga Don, notorious for his criminal activities, demanded the sum and issued a chilling warning. He claimed to have full knowledge of Sanjay Yadav’s family and movements, threatening to harm or kidnap him and his family if the demand was not met.
Connection to Tejashwi Yadav
Sanjay Yadav, originally from Haryana, is a trusted confidant of Tejashwi Yadav. In 2024, Tejashwi ensured Sanjay Yadav’s Rajya Sabha nomination, sidelining former MP Ahmed Ashfaq Karim. This close association has raised concerns about potential motives behind the extortion attempt.
Police Investigation
Secretariat DSP-1 Anu Kumari confirmed that a formal case has been registered, and a dedicated team has been assembled to investigate the matter. RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav stated that both Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Director General of Police (DGP) have been apprised of the situation. Additionally, there has been a demand to enhance Sanjay Yadav’s security.
Details of the Threat
The extortion call was made on 18 January from the number +91 6664 1611. During the call, the gangster introduced himself as a prominent figure with connections even within jail. Claiming to be based in America, he demanded the substantial sum, warning, “I know all your routes and about your family members. If you care about their safety, give me Rs 20 crore, or face severe consequences.”
About Joga Don
Joginder Gyong, known as Joga Don, hails from Gyong village in Kaithal district, Haryana. He is internationally infamous, being listed as the second most wanted criminal by Haryana Police. Among his many crimes, he is accused of murdering Jaidev during a retirement party in Panipat on 30 December 2017. Following the crime, the Kaithal Police sought Interpol’s assistance, issuing a Red Corner Notice against him.
Joga Don was apprehended in the Philippines on 9 July 2024, and efforts are currently underway to extradite him to India. His elder brother, Surendra, is also a notorious figure in Haryana’s criminal underworld.
