PRAYAGRAJ, Oct. 17 -- Taking serious note of alleged police inaction against a CB-CID head constable in connection with an extortion case, the Allahabad high court has summoned the additional director general of police (ADG), Varanasi, to appear in person and file a personal affidavit apprising the court of the progress made in the investigation. The court also directed the ADG to monitor the probe on a regular basis. A division bench comprising justices Ajay Bhanot and Garima Prashad passed the order on a petition filed by Randhir Singh, the head constable, and another person. According to the FIR, the two allegedly took 40 blank signed cheques and five blank signed papers from the complainant by force. The cheques were reportedly being encashed and repeatedly presented to coerce and extort money from the informant by dragging him into endless litigation. Earlier, on September 25 had granted the petitioner protection from arrest and directed the state counsel to obtain instructions in the matter, but no reply was sent by the police department. The court declined to continue the interim protection. "Prima facie it appears that the petitioner exercises considerable influence over the investigating authorities and the police authorities are apparently covering up for the same by failing to provide the requisite instructions to the Government Advocate," the court said in its order dated October 8. The court fixed December 10 as the next date of hearing....