Jaipur, Feb. 25 -- Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati on Tuesday demanded a ruthless crackdown on organised crime, citing rising extortion threats from gangsters targeting citizens. Raising the matter in the Rajasthan Assembly during Zero Hour, Bhati said gangsters operating from abroad and even inside prisons were issuing threats through internet calling, turning extortion attempts against traders, doctors and other prominent citizens into a "common occurrence." He said even small grocery shop owners were not spared. "If a small shop is running well, it too starts receiving threats. There is fear among traders. Those who receive threats cannot even go to their shops, and their children are unable to attend school," he said. Bhati alleged that even after police personnel are deployed outside the homes of those receiving threats, gangsters continue to intimidate them over phone calls. "They mockingly ask whether two policemen can protect them. Who is passing on this information to the gangsters? There appears to be a local network helping them," he said. He urged the government to identify local gangs aiding organised crime, confiscate their properties and take strict action. "If we want to prevent Rajasthan from turning blood-stained, we must single out criminals and act decisively. Even minors are being drawn into crime. We need to deal with gangsters the way Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Mumbai have done - strong action against one will send a message to the rest," he asserted. The House erupted in uproar during the reply from minister of state for home Jawahar Singh Bedham, who hit back at the Opposition while addressing concerns over action against gangsters. Comparing the present situation with the previous Congress regime, Bedham said effective action has been taken since the current government assumed office. "I cannot claim 100% control, but the kind of 'jungle raj' that prevailed earlier - when traders were threatened every other day, kidnappings and firing incidents were frequent - has been curbed," he said. Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully objected to the comparison, asking the minister to focus on the present government's actions instead of referring to the past, leading to heated exchanges in the House. Taking a swipe at the previous regime, Bedham remarked, "In your tenure, criminals would fire shots while standing on your chest," alleging inaction and interference with officials' work. He detailed enforcement measures undertaken by the Anti-Gangster Task Force, stating that in 2024 alone, 36,484 teams were formed and raids were conducted at over 123,000 locations. He claimed that key members of the Rohit Godara gang were apprehended abroad. "We will act firmly against criminals," he asserted....