More tales of extortion, torture by NGO Love Commandos reach DCW

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 4

Following a raid by Delhi Commission for Women on a shelter home run by the NGO Love Commandos, the commission has received at least six written complaints against the NGO in the past four days.

Since the raid and arrest of its chairman Sanjay Sachdeva four days ago, more tales of extortion and torture of inmates have come to light, said a DCW official adding innumerable calls have been received by the commission’s helpline while one complaint has also been received from a couple settled in the UK.

“In the last few days we have received numerous emails and calls from couples who have suffered terribly at the hands of accused NGO Love Commandos chairman Sanjay Sachdeva and his cronies Harsh and Sonu. All are being sent to the police,” said the official.

The complaints, which have been forwarded to DCP Central Randhawa by the commission, show that the pattern of torture was similar — extortion, confinement, seizure of documents, forceful consumption of liquor, mental torture through use of abusive language and demand for money.

The couples have alleged that the marriage certificates issued to them in court, along with their date of birth certificates, college degrees and original aadhaar cards were seized by Sachdeva.

The women were made to wash utensils and clean the premises, while demand for more money continued.

The couples who were able to pay more money on demand got their papers back and were allowed to leave the shelter.

The rest were confined in the shelter and were abused, as per an official statement shared by the DCW.

DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal has said the commission is deeply shocked at the growing instances of complaints.

“Sachdeva capitalised on the popularity gained through TV show ‘Satyamev Jayate’ and furthered his evil intentions. In the name of helping young couples, he ran an extortion racket and exploited their vulnerability. I hope that Delhi Police thoroughly investigate the matter and strongest action is taken against Sachdeva and his cronies,” she stated.