A Regina man is facing charges of extortion after an alleged incident from January.

The victim is an elected provincial government official who told police that he was approached by the suspect who asked for assistance in a local political election process.

When that person refused, the suspect told him he cause harm to his personal and professional life.

36-year-old Harpinder Singh Bajwa has been charged with extortion and makes his first court appearance today.

Police are still investigating.

UPDATE (2:36 p.m. July 14):

The office of MLA Gary Grewal released the following statement:

Earlier today, the Regina Police Service announced that an individual has been charged with extortion.   I was the target of that extortion attempt.

As this case is now before the courts, I will not be making any further public comment.   I want to thank the Regina Police Service for their efforts in investigating this matter.