Chittorgarh Businessman Known as ‘Bappi Lahiri’ Alleges ₹5-Crore Extortion by Rohit Godara Network

A prominent fruit trader in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh, known locally as the "Bappi Lahiri of Chittorgarh" for his extravagant gold jewelry, has filed a police complaint after receiving a Rs 5 crore extortion threat from members of the Rohit Godara gang. Kanhaiyalal Khatik, 50, who runs a successful apple trading business after starting as a vegetable vendor with a handcart, was targeted with a missed call two days ago followed by a WhatsApp audio message from an unknown number. The caller, claiming affiliation with the Lawrence Bishnoi-linked gangster, warned that Khatik "would not remain in a condition to wear gold" if he failed to pay and urged him to settle the matter discreetly without alerting authorities.

Khatik, affectionately dubbed "Goldman" for donning around 3.5 kg of gold ornaments daily—inspired by the late Bollywood music legend Bappi's signature style—has become a local celebrity in Chittorgarh for his flashy persona and rags-to-riches story. A subsequent phone call reiterated the demand, prompting Khatik to approach the City Kotwali police station on Thursday, where a case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for extortion and criminal intimidation. Police have launched an investigation, tracing the number and analyzing the audio for forensic evidence, amid concerns over the gang's expanding reach into Rajasthan's business community.

Rohit Godara, originally named Rawatram Swami and hailing from Bikaner's Lunkaransar village, is a key lieutenant in the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, operating primarily from Canada after fleeing India in June 2022 via Dubai on a fake passport. With over 35 criminal cases against him since 2010—including murders, attempted murders, extortion, and arms violations—Godara has claimed responsibility for high-profile killings like Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in May 2022, Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi in December 2023, and gangster Raju Theth in Sikar. He is also accused of firings outside Salman Khan's and AP Dhillon's residences, and an Interpol Red Corner Notice remains active against him.

Also Read: Operation Trackdown: Gurugram Police Arrest Two Gang Members; Both Linked to Organised Crime

The threat to Khatik fits a pattern of Godara's gang targeting affluent businessmen across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, with recent demands ranging from Rs 5 crore to Rs 30 crore. In September 2025, a former DUSU president in Delhi reported a similar Rs 5 crore extortion call from the gang, while a Sriganganagar BJP functionary alleged threats to his family for Rs 30 crore in June. Police sources indicate Godara, who began as a mobile repair technician before turning to crime at age 19, coordinates operations remotely, often using social media to boast about hits and issue warnings.

Authorities in Rajasthan and Delhi have ramped up surveillance on Godara's associates, with recent arrests including a gang shooter in a Jahangirpuri encounter in September 2025 and another member in Italy in July 2024. The Chittorgarh police, in coordination with cyber cells, are monitoring digital footprints and have urged local traders to report suspicious communications promptly. As the investigation unfolds, Khatik's case highlights the growing menace of transnational gangs preying on visible symbols of success like his gold-laden image.

The incident has renewed calls for stronger interstate cooperation and international extradition efforts against fugitives like Godara, whose network continues to instill fear despite multiple crackdowns. For Khatik, the extortion bid serves as a stark reminder that his glittering persona—once a source of pride—has now painted a target on his back in Rajasthan's underbelly of organized crime.

Also Read: Delhi 10/11 Probe: NIA Confronts Shaheen Saeed at Al Falah University Amid Delhi Blast Investigation