Pune Police Arrest 4 in ₹50 Crore Extortion Case

A major breakthrough was achieved by the Pune Police Crime Branch in a ₹50 crore extortion case, with the arrest of four accused, including two alleged shooters. The case involved unidentified assailants opening fire outside the premises of a prominent Pune-based businessman to create terror.

The incident occurred on June 22, when the businessman and one of his associates received a phone call demanding an extortion payment of ₹50 crore. Nearly two hours later, two armed men allegedly fired four rounds at the entrance gate of the businessman's company before fleeing the spot.

According to police, the accused had fled to different states after carrying out the attack. However, Crime Branch teams analysed technical evidence, including CCTV footage, to identify the shooters. Investigators found that the accused had used fake identities and had connections with the Bishnoi gang.

The police launched a coordinated operation across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab, and after conducting raids for five consecutive days, they arrested Pawan Prakashram Barad, Satyaprakash Kaluram Shilora, Ravikumar Rajendrakumar Jangda, and a juvenile in conflict with the law. During the investigation, police also recovered three country-made pistols and 30 live cartridges.

Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar stated that the accused had earlier come to Pune in search of work before allegedly planning and executing the extortion bid. The police have also booked the alleged supplier of the firearms used in the crime. Kumar added that Crime Branch teams travelled more than 5,000 kilometres across four states to track down the accused and examined footage from more than 1,000 CCTV cameras.

The motive behind the extortion attempt is still under investigation, with the demand for money appearing to be the primary motive. However, investigators are also probing whether there were any other reasons behind the extortion attempt. The arrest of the four accused has brought relief to the businessman and his family, and the police are continuing their investigation to uncover the entire network behind the extortion bid.

The operation was a result of meticulous planning and coordination between the Crime Branch teams, and it has sent a strong message to extortionists and criminals that they will be caught and brought to justice. The police are also investigating the possible connections between the accused and other criminal gangs, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Pune Police have shown their commitment to tackling crime and ensuring the safety of citizens, and this arrest is a significant achievement in their efforts to combat extortion and other criminal activities. The police are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist in the investigation.

In conclusion, the arrest of the four accused in the ₹50 crore extortion case is a major breakthrough for the Pune Police, and it demonstrates their dedication to fighting crime and protecting the citizens of Pune. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to uncover the entire network behind the extortion bid and bring all those involved to justice.