Former Shiv Sena corporator Kamlesh Rai had allegedly demanded Rs 50 lakh extortion from the builder whose project is underway in Andheri MIDC area, an official said
The builder had registered an extortion case with MIDC police station against Shiv Sena corporator Kamlesh Rai, an official said. Representational Pic/File
Former Shiv Sena corporator Kamlesh Rai was apprehended on Friday for allegedly collecting an extortion amount of Rs 5 lakh from a builder in Andheri area of western Mumbai, a police official said, reported the PTI.
He had allegedly demanded Rs 50 lakh extortion from the builder whose project is underway in Andheri MIDC area, the official said.
The builder had registered an extortion case with MIDC police station, he said.
"After negotiation, the amount was settled at Rs 35 lakh, and Rs 8 lakh was paid initially to the former corporator. Rai had gone to collect another installment of Rs 5 lakh from the builder. He was apprehended while collecting this extortion amount. Further probe in the case is underway," the official said, as per the PTI.
Seven former Sena (UBT) councillors from Yavatmal join Shinde-led Shiv Sena
Meanwhile, seven former councillors of the Shiv Sena (UBT) from Yavatmal in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra have joined the ruling bloc ally Shiv Sena headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who said their induction reflects growing popularity of his party, reported the PTI.
These former councillors, three of them ex-chairpersons of the Ner municipality in Yavatmal, formally joined the Shiv Sena on late Thursday night in Thane in the presence of Shinde and the party's cabinet minister Sanjay Rathod.
The switchover is being seen as a significant setback for the Shiv Sena (UBT), headed by former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, an arch political rival of Shinde, in the politically sensitive Yavatmal district.
The induction event also saw hundreds of political workers and office-bearers from various parties switching sides.
A Shiv Sena release said as many as 10,000 more office-bearers and political activists from western Vidarbha are expected to soon join the party, a constituent of the ruling alliance Mahayuti, which also includes the BJP and the NCP, according to the PTI.
Among the prominent figures who joined the Shiv Sen are -- Pawan Jaiswal, Sunita Jaiswal and Vanita Misle -- all former chairpersons of the Ner municipality.
Addressing the gathering, Shinde said the influx of leaders and workers into the Shiv Sena was a testament to the development work done under the Mahayuti government during his earlier tenure as Chief Minister (June 2022-November 2024).
"Whether it was for our beloved sisters, farmers, or senior citizens, the government brought good days for all. The historic mandate in the assembly polls (in favour of Mahayuti in November 2024) was not accidental, it was earned," the deputy CM noted, as per the PTI.
The Shiv Sena chief asserted Mahayuti's "governance model" has been accepted by people.
(with PTI inputs)
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