NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed city police to expedite security for former Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) president Ronak Khatri. Khatri reported receiving death threats and an extortion demand for Rs 5 crore from an alleged gangster.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja issued the directive. He emphasized the State’s constitutional duty to protect its citizens’ lives. The court specifically ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Outer North, and the DCP, Special Cell, to expedite Khatri’s request for police protection.
Details of the Alleged Threats
In his plea to the court, Khatri detailed the messages. He stated the threats originated from a phone number registered in Ukraine. The sender claimed to be a gangster. This individual demanded Rs 5 crore from Khatri.
The messages included threats to kill Khatri if the demanded amount was not paid. During the court proceedings, Khatri’s legal team identified a potential link. Advocates Shaurya Vikram and Obhirup Ghosh told the court the threats were associated with the alleged Rohit Godara gang. This gang is reportedly involved in multiple criminal cases.
Court’s Specific Instructions to Police
The High Court’s order went further than just expediting the request. It mandated that the beat constable assigned to Khatri’s area and the Station House Officer (SHO) must respond immediately to any calls made by Khatri. This ensures immediate assistance in case of an emergency.
Furthermore, the court instructed the beat constable to regularly visit Khatri. These visits are scheduled for the next two weeks. This measure aims to ensure Khatri’s continued well-being and safety during this period of threat.
Prior Security Efforts and Challenges
Delhi Police’s standing counsel, Sanjay Lao, informed the court about previous steps. He stated Khatri’s application for security had been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the Special Cell. This particular DCP is responsible for conducting a threat perception assessment. Based on this assessment, they will make the final decision on providing security.
Khatri’s plea highlighted his prior experience with police protection. On September 29 , he received what he described as only ‘limited protection’. This security arrangement was not static in nature. It did not involve continuous police deployment at his residence. Khatri deemed this inadequate, given the threats.
The limited protection was subsequently withdrawn the very next day. Police informed Khatri that a formal threat assessment would first be conducted. Since that time, Khatri has repeatedly approached Delhi Police. He sought the reinstatement of police protection for himself and his family. His plea asserts that, despite these repeated representations, no formal response has yet been received from the police department.
Ronak Khatri’s Background
Ronak Khatri previously served as the president of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU). His current legal action highlights the gravity of the alleged threats and his ongoing concerns for personal and family safety.