In a recent development, two individuals have been apprehended in connection with an alleged extortion case targeting a fruit wholesaler in Mulund. The arrested suspects, identified as Vikas Soni from Dombivali and Sohanlal Jaiswal residing in Mulund, were reportedly involved in threatening and extorting ₹15 lakh from the victim.
The police revealed that Jaiswal, a small-time fruit vendor and resident of Mulund, allegedly harbored jealousy towards the victim’s earnings. Collaborating with Soni, he devised a plan to extort money from the victim by forwarding his contact details.
According to police sources, the complainant, a fruit wholesaler catering to small vendors in Mulund and Bhandup areas, had a business relationship with Jaiswal, who occasionally borrowed money from him. Recently, when Jaiswal sought financial assistance, and the victim declined, he decided to resort to extortion.
Soni, in possession of a stolen mobile phone obtained from a friend who formerly operated a call center, used it to make threatening calls to the victim on December 4, demanding ₹15 lakh. Initially dismissing the threats, the victim grew concerned after subsequent warnings and reported the matter to the Navghar police.
In the course of the investigation, the police traced the call’s location and obtained sim card details, leading to the discovery of the stolen phone’s connection. This prompted a parallel investigation by the Property Cell.
The Property Cell successfully linked the accused to the crime, resulting in Soni’s apprehension. During interrogation, Soni confessed to the extortion plot, divulging that Jaiswal provided the victim’s number and instructed him to make threatening calls to secure easy money for both of them.
Following their confessions, both suspects were taken into custody and handed over to the Navghar police for further legal proceedings. Deputy Commissioner of Police Raj Tilak Roushan of the crime branch confirmed the arrests, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the police departments involved in resolving the case.
