“Three-Member Gang Arrested for Accusing Builder of Rape in Mumbai: Victim Extorted for Crores”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Mumbai: A notorious gang of three extortionists has been apprehended by the police for their involvement in blackmailing a flat owner, falsely accusing him of rape, and demanding crores in ransom. The authorities have successfully arrested all three culprits, including a woman, and have discovered that they had also targeted another builder in their nefarious activities.

According to the Waliv police, a prominent 45-year-old builder, who operates construction sites across the Vasai-Virar region, lodged a complaint against three individuals who had been pressuring him to pay a staggering sum of ₹61 lakh. The accused have been identified as Manish Manubhai Seth, a resident of Gujarat, Nasik Hamid Shaikh from Vajreshwari in Palghar district, and Sahiba Rajbirsingh Bakshi, also known as Neetu Jayprakash Pandey, hailing from Rajasthan.

The police investigation has revealed that Pandey had approached the victim last year, claiming that she required a flat on rent as she was establishing a business in Mumbai. Subsequently, the victim rented out a flat in Waliv to Pandey for ₹10,000 per month, with an agreement spanning 11 months in 2022. Pandey would frequently invite the victim to her residence and purportedly introduced him to Shaikh and Seth as her business partners.

In a shocking turn of events in November, the trio called the complainant to Pandey’s house, where they allegedly assaulted him while accusing him of raping Pandey a few months earlier. Furthermore, they claimed that Pandey was pregnant as a result of the alleged assault. Threatening the victim with a false case, the perpetrators demanded a hefty sum of ₹2 crore and the surrender of the flat. Overwhelmed with fear, the victim succumbed to their demands and handed over ₹61 lakh to settle the matter.

However, in December, when the gang began demanding more money, the builder realized that he had fallen prey to an elaborate scam. He promptly approached the Waliv police and filed a complaint against the culprits, charging them with cheating, blackmail, and extortion under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 420, 388, 385, 384, 406, 411, and 34.

Taking swift action, the police set a trap for Shaikh in Vajreshwari and successfully apprehended him. Through Shaikh’s arrest, the authorities were able to trace Seth and Pandey, subsequently arresting them as well. During the course of the investigation, it has come to light that the gang targeted another builder in Vasai and extorted substantial sums of money from him too.

A police officer from the Waliv police station stated, “We have discovered that the gang has blackmailed and extorted lakhs from another builder in Vasai as well.” The police are currently delving deeper into the matter to identify any additional victims who may have fallen prey to the trio’s modus operandi.

In conclusion, the police’s successful crackdown on this notorious gang of extortionists brings relief to the victims and serves as a warning to potential wrongdoers. The authorities are determined to ensure the safety and security of the public, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice..