BJP drops Pulwama unit chief after police book him for extortion

A BJP leader, Syed Showkat Gayoor, has been arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police for extortion. The accusation stems from a complaint filed by Mohammad Yasin Ganie, who alleged that Gayoor demanded money from a contractor and threatened to detain him under the Public Safety Act if he refused to pay. The incident occurred in south Kashmir's Pulwana district, where Gayoor formerly served as the party's district president.

Following the news of the arrest, the BJP promptly suspended him from all organizational roles until the "finalization of disciplinary proceedings". The complainant claimed that Gayoor repeatedly pressured him to make illegal payments and threatened to use his position to have him prosecuted under the Public Safety Act if he did not comply.

In total, the complainant paid Rs 54,000 to Gayoor in two installments. The BJP has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Gayoor, with his suspension taking immediate effect until the proceedings are concluded. The party maintains its commitment to upholding the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and morality in public life.