Highlighter 1: Allegations of extortion involving Rs. 11 lakh from a Nanded jeweller by Raipur’s Sarafa traders, under the pretext of averting an Income Tax investigation.

Highlighter 2: Accusations against Chhattisgarh Sarafa traders being branded as “informants” for tipping off police about external traders’ transactions.

Highlighter 3: Serious charges against Raipur’s SHO, allegedly providing protection to influential Sarafa traders involved in the extortion.

Raipur । A deeply concerning revelation has surfaced regarding the alleged collusion between Raipur’s Sarafa traders and local police, with claims of extortion during the seizure of Rs. 70 lakh in cash from a jeweller from Nanded, Maharashtra. The incident has not only raised grave questions about the integrity of the Raipur Sarafa market but has also ignited significant outrage among traders from Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states.

Sources reveal that the Nanded jeweller had travelled to Raipur to make purchases ahead of Diwali. Upon his arrival at the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), Bhatagaon, the jeweller was detained by the Raipur police. Acting on a tip-off from local Sarafa traders, the police conducted a search and subsequently seized Rs. 70 lakh in cash from him. The jeweller was immediately taken to the police station for questioning.

However, shortly after the incident, two influential Sarafa traders from Raipur allegedly arrived at the police station, where it is claimed that they demanded a sum of Rs. 15 lakh from the Nanded jeweller to “settle” the matter with the police and to avoid any Income Tax complaints. Fearing further complications and acting under duress, the Nanded trader reportedly agreed to pay the demanded amount. A short time later, the traders allegedly returned Rs. 4 lakh, claiming that the issue had been resolved for Rs. 11 lakh instead.

Upon returning to Nanded, the jeweller disclosed the entire incident to his local Sarafa association, which in turn raised the matter with the Chhattisgarh Sarafa Association. After thoroughly verifying the facts and gathering substantial evidence, the Association contacted senior officials within the Raipur police. The Station House Officer (SHO) confirmed the seizure of the 70 lakh rupees but vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged extortion scheme. However, sources suggest that the SHO, under pressure from the local traders, may have later legitimised the seized cash, despite it being obtained through dubious means.

This controversy has cast a dark shadow over the reputation of Raipur’s Sarafa market, which has long been notorious for such practices, earning a reputation among external traders for operating in ways that are less than transparent. Traders from outside the region have reportedly dubbed some local jewellers as “informants,” accused of tipping off the police about transactions made by non-local traders.

The Chhattisgarh Sarafa Association has strongly condemned the actions of those involved and demanded swift and decisive action. A senior official from the Association stated, “If the protection of these unscrupulous traders continues, it will severely tarnish the reputation of Chhattisgarh’s Sarafa market.”

Police sources confirm that one of the traders implicated in the extortion has confessed to the wrongdoing, and an FIR is expected to be filed soon. The incident has caused widespread unrest within the Sarafa community, with many traders now questioning the safety and fairness of doing business in Raipur.