Builder told to pay 1 crore by Chota Shakeel 'aide'

MUMBAI: The underworld seems to be active again. In the latest incident, a 40-year-old

Juhu-based developer

approached the city police after he received a

ransom

call for Rs 10 crore from a person who introduced himself as 'Faheem'. Police are trying to figure out if the caller is Faheem Machmach of the

Dawood Ibrahim gang

or a new extortionist who is yet to make it to the police list.

The developer, who resides at JVPD, lodged an extortion complaint on August 3. "On July 27, I had gone to Khar telephone exchange area to get some documents registered when I received a call on my mobile from a number begining with +3444 which showed its bcountry of origin as Spain. The caller said he was Faheem from the Chhota Shakeel gang. He told me that he was aware my construction projects were doing well and demanded Rs 10 crore," the developer, a father of two, told Juhu police.

The caller threatened the victim saying he knew the developer's house addres in Juhu and his Andheri office too and that developer should keep it in mind. The threats did not stop here. On July 31, the man called twice on the developer's mobile but he did not respond. and went to the police instead. Investigators indicated the caller has used an internet calling system. "This is is perhaps one of the few cases in recent times where such a huge amount has been demanded. We are yet to establish if it is Faheem Machmach of the Dawood gang (extortion calls and collection are being handled by Chhota Shakeel) or some new person has emerged on the scene," said an officer.


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