Police Action Against Dilip Gurjar in Bhilwara
Bhilwara police have launched a major crackdown on Dilip Gurjar, a former Congress leader who joined the BJP during the Rajasthan assembly elections. Gurjar has been booked in four cases of illegal money lending and now faces the seizure of properties estimated at over ₹45 crore.
According to Bhilwara Superintendent of Police (SP) Dharmendra Singh Yadav, proceedings have begun to seize around 350 bighas of land and approximately 40 houses linked to Gurjar. The action follows complaints that he engaged in usury without a valid licence or legitimate source of income.
Gurjar has gone underground fearing arrest, and police are preparing to move court under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to secure formal approval for property seizure.
Four Cases of Usury Registered
SP Yadav confirmed that two cases were registered against Gurjar in August and two more in September. The complaints involve allegations of lending money at exorbitant interest rates, a practice widely reported in rural Rajasthan.
Officials said Gurjar did not have authorization to operate as a money lender. Information about his assets has been collected from various government departments, which revealed his large portfolio of properties and land holdings.
Police sources claim that Gurjar’s wealth was disproportionate to his known sources of income, raising suspicions about long-term involvement in usury. The seizure process is expected to cover both movable and immovable properties.
Political Shift and Legal Troubles
Gurjar was once the block president of the Congress in Bhilwara but switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the state assembly elections. His political shift raised eyebrows, and his name being linked to criminal cases has further complicated the situation.
Local sources suggest that Gurjar enjoyed considerable influence in the Shahpura region, using political connections to expand his reach. However, the police crackdown signals a strong message against unlawful financial practices, irrespective of political affiliations.
The BJP has not officially commented on the matter. However, political observers believe that the development could trigger embarrassment for the party, which inducted Gurjar not long ago.
Seizure Process Under BNS
Legal experts explained that Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita empowers police to act against individuals engaged in unlawful activities that threaten public order. In Gurjar’s case, the misuse of unlicensed money lending has been deemed sufficient grounds for property seizure.
Once the police submit their report to the court, an official order will be issued to seal and auction properties if necessary. This step is meant to recover dues from victims of usury and also act as a deterrent against such practices.
SP Yadav emphasized that the department is determined to follow the law without bias. “We have gathered property records from multiple government sources. The report will be presented to court soon, and action will follow,” he said.
Wider Implications for Bhilwara
The crackdown has stirred political discussions in Bhilwara and beyond. The case highlights how illegal money lending continues to impact rural communities, often trapping farmers and small traders in cycles of debt.
Residents of Shahpura expressed mixed reactions. Some welcomed the police action, saying it would curb exploitation, while others feared retaliation from Gurjar’s associates.
Observers also note that the case could serve as a test for authorities in handling politically connected figures. Transparency in the seizure process will be key to maintaining public trust.
What Lies Ahead
With Gurjar absconding, the police are intensifying efforts to locate him. His properties remain under scrutiny, and seizure orders are expected to be implemented in the coming weeks.
The case underscores the state government’s resolve to act against financial crimes, even when linked to influential political figures. As the court prepares to review the police report, attention will remain focused on whether Gurjar surrenders or continues to evade arrest.
For now, Bhilwara stands at the center of a high-stakes battle between law enforcement and political influence.