Legal clearance from Senegal allows cops to act in extortion case linked to stalled B’wood film; Although Pujari was extradited to India from Senegal in 2021, the extradition was initially restricted to specific cases (in Karnataka), and only 10 cases in Mumbai
Ravi Pujari in the Crime Branch’s custody in 2021. File pic
Fresh legal clearance from Senegalese authorities has paved the way for Mumbai Police to finally arrest alleged underworld gangster Ravi Pujari in a long-pending extortion case linked to a stalled Bollywood film, officials said.
Although Pujari was extradited to India from Senegal in 2021, the extradition was initially restricted to specific cases (in Karnataka), and only 10 cases in Mumbai, due to technical and legal limitations imposed by Senegalese courts.
Although the Mumbai Police arrested Pujari following his extradition, they were unable to take him into custody for other serious offences registered against him in the city, including extortion matters connected to the film industry.
Senior officials from the Mumbai Police said that at the time of extradition, Senegalese authorities had granted permission to proceed legally against Pujari in 10 cases in Mumbai where strong evidence had been presented. However, other cases — including an extortion complaint filed by the wife of a noted choreographer-director — remained pending due to the absence of formal approval.
That situation changed last year in September, when the Mumbai Crime Branch received fresh clearance from Senegalese authorities to initiate legal action in nine additional cases registered against Pujari.
The extortion case linked to the stalled film was among the newly approved matters, enabling investigators to move court for a production warrant and formally arrest Pujari in the case earlier this month. They received legal clearance to proceed against Pujari in 19 cases registered in the city.
Pujari, 56, was subsequently arrested by the Mumbai Police Anti-Extortion Cell on January 22 after being produced before a local court.
According to police records, the case stems from a 2013 production agreement between a noted choreographer-director and a film producer. The project was budgeted at R5 crore, with the producer allegedly investing R3 crore and the remaining R2 crore coming from the choreographer’s production company. As per the agreement, film rights were to vest with the latter’s firm, and profits or losses were to be shared equally.
Police said that although a major portion of the film was completed — including choreography expenses of about R1 crore borne by the choreographer’s company — creative and commercial differences surfaced during post-production.
Investigators allege that from 2015 onwards, the producer repeatedly pressured the choreographer and his wife to release the film. The situation allegedly escalated into intimidation, including visits to their office, repeated phone calls, and the alleged circulation of images of firearms on WhatsApp.
Between October 2016 and February 2018, Pujari and his associate allegedly issued threats through multiple international phone numbers, demanding R50 lakh to “settle” the dispute, police said. Audio recordings of some of these alleged calls are part of the case diary.
With Senegal now clearing legal action in additional cases, police say Pujari’s arrest marks a significant step in closing several long-pending investigations. Further probe is underway to examine his alleged financial links, call records and whether provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) may be invoked again.
2021
Year Pujari was extradited from Senegal
Rs 50L
Amount Pujari demanded to settle film dispute
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
