Bhiwandi hotel firing: 4 held confess to hand in extortion call to MLA

Thane: The four youths arrested in the firing at a Bhiwandi hotel, which had left a woman receptionist injured last month, reportedly confessed to be involved in the extortion case registered by MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, said the police.

The anti-extortion cell of the Thane crime branch while interrogating the four accused— Harish Kotian, Sanket Dalvi, Prathmesh Kadam and Aniket Thakur, found that they are involved in multiple extortion cases.

The four were arrested in connection with the firing at K N Park Hotel on Nashik-Bhiwandi Road by the Mumbai crime branch last month, in which the 25-year-old receptionist Swara Shirsath was injured, said the officer.

The quartet, after their arrest by the Mumbai police, were handed over to the anti-extortion cell of the Thane crime branch. The accused revealed that they had provided logistical support to Suresh Pujari, who had made an extortion call to Gaikwad demanding Rs 50 lakh, added the officer.

“Gaikwad told Pujari called him twice on November 15 and November 17, demanding Rs 50 lakh. Following his complaint, the Kalyan police registered a case. Pujari told him that he will not be spared if he refused to pay up. Gaikwad gave Pujari a befitting reply,” said a police officer.

The four were remanded to police custody till March 10.

“It is most likely that the gang has been working for Pujari who uses local people like the four accused so if they are caught he will not be affected as he is operating abroad. He then moves on, lures others to work for him,” said a cop.

Surprisingly, local henchmen are promised payment of just Rs 50,000 for the work by Pujari,” said inspector R V Kothmire.

Gaikwad told Pujari called him twice on November 15 and November 17, demanding Rs 50 lakh. Following his complaint, the Kalyan police registered a case. Pujari told him that he will not be spared if he refused to pay up. Gaikwad gave Pujari a befitting reply