Delhi HC Tells Police To Expedite Protection For Ex-DUSU President Ronak Khatri Over Extortion Threat
Court said the State was duty-bound to protect citizens as Khatri reported a ₹5 crore extortion demand and death threats
The Delhi High Court has asked the city police to promptly act on a protection request made by Ronak Khatri, who served as the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) president last year from the NSUI, and claims to be facing threats to his life and extortion demands.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja said that it is the State’s responsibility to safeguard the lives of citizens, and the constitutional court must uphold those protections.
The Court directed the Deputy Commissioners of Police (Outer North and Special Cell) to process Khatri’s application for security without delay.
Khatri approached the Court, stating he received death threats and extortion messages from a Ukraine-based phone number. The sender, allegedly linked to a notorious gangster, allegedly demanded ₹5 crore and warned of dire consequences if the money was not paid.
The Court directed that the local station house officer and beat constable be sensitised to immediately respond to any distress call from Khatri. It also ordered that a beat constable visit him regularly for the next two weeks to ensure his safety.
During the proceedings, Delhi Police standing counsel Sanjay Lao informed the Court that Khatri’s application had already been forwarded to the DCP, Special Cell, who would evaluate the threat perception and decide on security measures.
On the other hand, advocates Shaurya Vikram and Obhirup Ghosh appeared for Khatri and argued the threats were linked to an individual associated with the Rohit Godara gang, which is allegedly involved in multiple criminal cases.
As per his petition, he was granted limited and non-static police protection on September 29, but it was withdrawn a day later with an assurance that a threat assessment would be carried out.
Since then, Khatri said he has repeatedly approached the police seeking reinstatement of protection for himself and his family, but no action has been taken.
Case Title: Ronak Khatri Vs State (NCT) Of Delhi
Bench: Justice Ravindra Dudeja
Hearing Date: 6 November
Inputs: PTI