Superstition-fuelled extortion racket busted by Mumbai Police

Accused trio being arrested by police. Pics/Samiullah Khan

Dindoshi police have arrested a woman, her son and their associate for allegedly extorting Rs 11.5 lakh from a Goregaon East beautician by exploiting superstition and fear over nearly two years. Police said the amount could rise to around Rs 23 lakh, including interest.

The accused, identified as Alka Sakte, her son Sagar and associate Utsav Singh, have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for extortion, cheating and criminal intimidation, and remanded to police custody till February 14.

Police said the ordeal began in July 2023 when Alka allegedly told the victim that a "serious spiritual crime" had occurred in her house. Initial demands for temple offerings allegedly escalated into repeated payments for fake rituals, fabricated deaths and threats of police action.

The victim was threatened with harm to her family and was told money was needed to stop police cases. To meet the demands, she mortgaged gold jewellery, borrowed money at high interest and took a Rs 2.5 lakh bank loan.

The scam came to light in January 2025 after the victim's husband overheard a threatening phone call. The woman reportedly suffered a mental breakdown and attempted self-harm, after which a complaint was filed.