Andheri Police Arrest Five In ₹1 Crore Extortion Bid

The Andheri police have arrested five individuals for allegedly posing as Income Tax and Crime Branch officials in a ₹1 crore extortion bid.

The incident occurred on July 17 at Two M Ophthotronics Pvt Ltd in Sahar Cargo Estate, Chakala, where the accused conducted a fake raid and abducted the company's owner, Rajkumar Kandasami, and his wife.

According to the police, the accused forced the couple into a cab, seized their mobile phones, and took them to the office. They then restricted the movement of employees, examined documents, and produced a purported search warrant, which Kandasami was made to sign.

The fake raid continued for over three hours before the accused demanded ₹1 crore and left. The police analyzed call records, location data, and CCTV footage to trace the suspects, who were arrested from various locations in Mumbai, Pune, and Nalasopara.

The accused have been identified as Santosh Khopatkar, Vinay More, Prem Sabnani, Pragya HM, and Reshma Shyamrao Warang. The police are currently searching for fake IDs, government logos, and documents used by the accused and are probing whether other businessmen were targeted in similar scams.

The Andheri police's swift action in this case has brought relief to the business community in the area, who had been living in fear of such extortion attempts. The police have urged anyone with information about similar scams to come forward and report them.

The incident highlights the need for businesses to be vigilant and verify the identities of officials conducting raids or investigations. It also underscores the importance of cooperation between the police and the public in preventing such crimes.

The arrests made in this case demonstrate the commitment of the Andheri police to combating extortion and ensuring the safety of businesses in the area. The police will continue to investigate and take action against those involved in such scams.

In conclusion, the Andheri police's arrest of five individuals in a ₹1 crore extortion bid is a significant development in the fight against crime in the city. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in preventing such crimes and ensuring the safety of businesses and individuals alike.