Locals hold protest in Rishikesh against alleged extortion by ‘Ranga-Billa’; claim laxity by police

A large number of people on Sunday staged a protest at a police station here demanding action against two men dubbed ‘Ranga-Billa’ allegedly involved in extortion activities in the area.

The protesters alleged that despite the victims submitting written complaints, police did not register a case against the accused duo.

Banners and posters featuring two AI-generated images – labelled 'Ranga-Billa' – recently appeared at various locations across the city, accusing the duo of engaging in extortion related to ongoing construction projects in Rishikesh.

The matter became a topic of discussion on social media for several days.

During the protest, which was led by Jagjit Singh alias Jagga, the city president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, people expressed their anguish over police not registering a case against the accused despite repeated complaints.

They also claimed that multiple cases were filed against Jagga for opposing the activities of 'Ranga-Billa', whereas no action was taken against those involved in the alleged extortion.

The protesters demanded an impartial police investigation, registration of a case against the accused, and their arrest.

Kotwali SHO Yashpal Singh Bisht said police are conducting an impartial investigation into the complaints, and assured the protesters that legal action would be taken against anyone found guilty.