'Behave yourself or face consequences'

Chhota Shakeel aide warns businessman; Cops get more complaints about threats

Fear of Mumbai's underworld reigns again in the city's business community, as a businessman approached the Crime Branch recently for police protection due to death threats against him.

The Crawford Market-based businessman lodged a complaint with the Anti Extortion Cell (AEC) of the Mumbai Crime Branch saying that he had received death threat calls from Chhota Shakeel.


Ehtesham Shaikh

The businessman had supposed animosity with Ehtesham Shaikh, an alleged Shakeel aide.

In his complaint, a copy of which is with MiD DAY, the businessman stated that he received a call from gangster Faheem Machmach from an international number, asking him to "behave himself" or face dire consequences. "I fear for my life.

I have nothing to do with Shaikh, who I suspect is behind the call," he said, requesting anonymity for security reasons.

According to the complainant, Shaikh had begun to expand his influence in Bhendi Bazaar and Nagpada and had warned him to stay away from a couple of people, including police informer Irfan Chindi. "I resisted his arm-twisting acts and he started to mess with me," he said.

A senior Crime Branch official said, "We have received complaints about threat calls and are keeping a close watch on the Chhota Shakeel and Ravi Pujari gang members."