Police sources told mid-day.com that one of the arrested women is a small-time Marathi artist who has acted in a few projects. Investigators said the businessman’s son got engaged on November 5, and a dispute broke out during a celebration party on November 14 over the use of a laser light
Police have booked the accused for criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, blackmail, and extortion. Representational pic
Mumbai Police’s Anti-Extortion Cell has arrested two women for allegedly attempting to extort Rs 10.5 crore from a Goregaon-based construction businessman by threatening to implicate his son in a false molestation case and defame the family, officers said.
Police sources told mid-day.com that one of the arrested women is a small-time Marathi artist who has acted in a few projects.
The case reportedly stems from an altercation during an engagement party held at a hotel in Andheri West earlier this month. Investigators said the businessman’s son got engaged on November 5, and a dispute broke out during a celebration party on November 14 over the use of a laser light. The argument escalated into a scuffle.
Days later, on November 23, the two women lodged a molestation complaint at Amboli Police Station. However, the anti-extortion cell alleged that the accused, along with an associate, subsequently approached the businessman demanding Rs 10.5 crore to “settle” the matter and withdraw the complaint.
Police trap accused in Lower Parel while allegedly collecting Rs 1 crore
Following negotiations, the alleged extortion demand was reduced to Rs 5.5 crore. Anticipating foul play, the complainant alerted the anti-extortion cell.
On Tuesday, the accused women arrived at a location in Lower Parel to collect the first instalment of Rs 1 crore in cash. Police laid a trap and allegedly caught them red-handed. Their associate managed to flee and is currently absconding.
The 52-year-old builder told police that the accused not only threatened to trap his son in a criminal case but also warned of tarnishing the family’s reputation through media and social media platforms.
Police have registered cases against the accused under sections for criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, blackmail, and extortion. Further investigation is underway to trace the absconding accused and examine the money trail.
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