Film producer and her lawyer booked for demanding Rs 20 lakh as extortion

The altercation began when the man visited a pharmacy in February this year. Representation pic/iStock

The Malvani police booked a small-budget film producer and her lawyer for allegedly demanding Rs 20 lakh as extortion from a local businessman. According to police sources, the woman had filed a molestation case against the businessman several months ago. However, during the investigation, the businessman presented key evidence, including a voice recording purportedly revealing that the woman demanded Rs 20 lakh to withdraw the case.

Based on the complaint and the submitted audio evidence, the Malwani police registered a case against the woman and her lawyer under relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections.

The complainant, a 39-year-old businessman who is into construction and also holds a political party post, told the police that the original incident occurred in February while he was at a local medical store near his residence. The woman arrived at the shop and argued with the shopkeeper. During the altercation, she allegedly began abusing the businessman without any provocation.

Later that night, the woman approached the police and filed a molestation complaint against the businessman. A cross-complaint was also registered, though no arrests were made at the time, said an officer from Malvani police station.

"This incident is a prime example of how some individuals may misuse their gender and political influence to falsely implicate others," the complainant told mid-day. "I have been falsely accused of molestation. An FIR was filed against me, which has severely damaged my reputation and dignity."

Describing the incident, he said, "She started making unnecessary remarks against me while I was at the medical shop. When I responded, she created a scene. As a politically active person, I believe my public image made me a target."

The businessman also alleged that the woman used casteist slurs during the confrontation, which he reported to the police. A case under the atrocity-related provisions was subsequently registered against the woman.

"I have a voice recording in which the woman can be heard demanding R20 lakh to withdraw her complaint," he continued. "She states that her lawyer helped her file the FIR by exerting pressure on the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and other officers through the magistrate."

According to the complainant, the woman admitted in the recording that she could not retract the complaint without her lawyer's consent, as he played a key role in getting the FIR registered. She also allegedly indicated that part of the extorted amount would go to the lawyer.

Despite initial hesitation from the Malwani police to act on the complaint, the businessman met with the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) and played the recording before him. After reviewing the evidence, the DCP instructed the Malwani police to file the FIR, which was officially registered on Saturday (May 17).

"Based on the complaint of the businessman, we have registered a case under Sections 308(3) - inducing fear to obtain something - 351(2) - criminal intimidation - and 3(5) - joint criminal liability - of BNS. Further investigation is underway. No arrests have been made, but we are preparing to summon the duo," said an officer from Malwani police station.

Rs 20L
Amount demanded to withdraw case