Pune: Loni Kalbhor police have cracked down on a group of individuals allegedly extorting money from local businessmen in the guise of representing the Mathadi organization. The incident unfolded in the jurisdiction of Uruli Devachi village and the Shell petrol pump between January 12 and Wednesday (17).
The complaint, filed by Mohsin Shahajan Sheikh (36, a resident of NIBM Road Kondhwa, Pune), has led to the arrest of Shekhar Anil Modak (29, a resident of Wadki). Additionally, Anna Deokar, a resident of Fursungi, Hadapsar, and four others are now wanted by the police under sections IPC 387, 143, 147, 149, 504, and 506.
According to the police report, Sheikh, a local businessman with a warehouse in the Uruli Devachi area, was confronted by the accused at his warehouse. Claiming to be leaders of the Mathadi Union, they asserted that their workers would cease operations unless Sheikh hired them. Demanding a ransom of Rs 15,000 per car to resume work, the accused allegedly threatened Sheikh, stating that the materials would not be unloaded into his warehouse unless the payment was made.
Despite Sheikh’s explanation that he couldn’t afford more workers and did not wish to employ them, the accused persisted, reducing their demand to Rs 7,000 per car. They resorted to verbal abuse and threatened Sheikh’s life. Fearing for his safety, Sheikh reported the incident to the Loni Kalbhor police on Thursday.
Following the complaint, the police registered a case against the six individuals, leading to the arrest of Shekhar Modak. The police are currently conducting a thorough investigation to apprehend the remaining suspects.
