New Delhi: The FIR was filed by Paresh Nagindas Soni, a 49-year-old jeweller who runs a gold workshop at Sahajanand Complex in Ratanpol. He along with his partners, Kamlesh alias Kamal Keshavji Jadav and Gulzarbhai, claimed that their business dispute was being looked into by the Crime Branch. During this time, they were introduced to a lawyer named Vikal Ilyasbhai Pathan, who allegedly hinted that the matter was “sensitive” and could only be closed with the help of influential people.
According to the complaint, Vikal asked the jewellers to meet him on September 30 at his office near Lucky Tea Hotel. There, he allegedly told them that journalist Dirghayu Vyas was capable of handling the issue at the Crime Branch. The jewellers were warned that unless they paid ₹10 lakh in cash immediately, their case would not be disposed of. Out of fear and pressure, they agreed and handed over the money.
However, days later, when they realised the investigation had not been stopped, they tried to contact Vikal and Vyas again. Instead of help, they claim they faced threats. The FIR states that Vyas allegedly told them never to approach him again. He also threatened to get GST raids done at their workshops, defame them in the media, and even use the Crime Branch to harass them further.
The police have registered a case under sections of extortion, cheating and criminal intimidation. Officials from the Crime Branch said they are checking the money trail and recording statements of all the people involved. Investigators are also looking into whether similar complaints exist against the accused. So far, there has been no official response from Vyas or the lawyer on the allegations.
For the jewellers, the incident has been not just about money but also about fear and pressure. In the world of business, especially in traditional markets like Ratanpol, trust is everything. If businessmen start feeling unsafe due to such alleged misuse of influence, it shakes confidence in both trade and institutions.
At the same time, this case also raises questions about how easily disputes can spiral out of control when middlemen claim to have connections with powerful people. Here, the jewellers say they were lured with promises that the Crime Branch case would be shut. Instead, they ended up losing a huge amount and facing threats.
It is important to remember that these are still allegations. The truth will only come out once the Crime Branch completes its probe. If the charges are proved, it would highlight how people with influence can misuse their position to exploit businessmen. If not, then it would also show how reputations can be harmed by false accusations.
For now, all eyes are on the investigation. Small traders in Ahmedabad are watching closely, because the outcome of this case could affect how safe they feel while doing business in the city. Cases like this remind us why transparency in police work and accountability in journalism are equally important.
