Dharamshala (S Gopal Puri)
Himachal Pradesh, known for its serene environment and low crime rates, faces a growing challenge as an extortion racket in Una district has sent shockwaves through the region. FIR No. 15/25, registered on 10-01-2025 under Sections 308(4), 351(3), 351(4), and 61(2) of the BNS at Sadar Police Station, Una, has brought to light a web of unanswered questions, fueling fears and speculation.
Three critical questions dominate the discourse: Who is leaking sensitive information to the extortionists? Where is the extorted money being invested—within Una or outside the district? And, who was the first person targeted by the extortion calls?
Una’s Shadowy Network: Leaks and Loopholes
Local insiders suggest that sensitive information about business owners and influential individuals is being leaked to the extortionists, potentially by someone with access to privileged data. This has raised suspicions of an inside hand, with many pointing fingers at certain individuals who may have ties to the criminal network. Due to gravity of these leaks, public frustration is deepening.
Trail of Money: Local or Beyond?
Equally alarming is the question of where the extortion money is going. Sources allege that large sums extracted through intimidation may be funding illegal ventures, possibly even outside Una district. Such suspicions, if true, hint at a larger network with financial and logistical operations beyond Himachal Pradesh. Residents are demanding that investigators trace the money trail to uncover the full extent of this racket.
The First Target: Who Set the Precedent?
The racket’s initial victim reportedly received threatening calls months before the FIR was filed. However, the lack of immediate action allowed the criminals to gain confidence and expand their operations. Identifying the first victim and their response to the threats could provide critical insights into how the network operates and how it escalated unchecked.
Fear and Frustration in business community
The silence has left the business community vulnerable and uneasy. Many business owners in Una now live in fear, unsure of whether they’ll be next. This has tarnished Himachal’s image as a peaceful and secure state, casting a shadow over its once-pristine reputation.
A Statewide Implication
Experts warn that extortion networks, if not promptly dismantled, can proliferate across the state, threatening its overall safety. Criminal activities left unaddressed often embolden perpetrators and weaken public trust in law enforcement.
A Call for Transparency and Action
Residents demand swift and transparent action from the government. Public communication about the progress of the investigation is crucial not only to allay fears but also to demonstrate that such activities will not be tolerated. Without decisive measures, the state risks eroding the faith of its citizens and businesses in its governance.
Himachal Pradesh’s reputation is on the line, and so is the peace of its people. It is time for the government to act with resolve and ensure that the tranquillity of this beautiful state is preserved.
