Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 30: A notorious gangster allegedly involved in extorting companies, traders and builders by creating fear in the name of a Mathadi workers' union in Andheri East has been arrested by the MIDC police.

The accused has been identified as Kannan Chinnadurai Vanniyar, alias ‘Bada Kanna’. Police have initiated action against the gang under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and are searching for three of his associates who remain absconding.

The MIDC police had launched an investigation into a life-threatening attack on businessman Nadim Sheikh, 27, on August 17. Seven accused persons — Puran Arun Singh, alias Chadda, 39, Rohit Madhukar Salunkhe, 27, Imran Basuddin Hawaldar, 37, Suresh Gulabchand Gaud, alias Kisan, 30, Akash Mansingh Singh, alias Nepali, 30, Rajkumar Selvan Munnukhami, alias Lala, and Arjun Muniyan Muttu, alias Daku, 37 — were arrested in connection with the case.

However, Bada Kanna, alleged to be the gang leader, and four other accused were absconding.

According to police, the gang allegedly misused the name of a Mathadi workers' union to stop vehicles belonging to companies and extort money from businesses on the pretext of providing workers. The gang also allegedly collected money forcibly from traders and other business operators in the name of ‘varai’ or protection money.

Police alleged that those who refused to pay were threatened and assaulted, while weapons such as swords and knives were allegedly used to create fear.

The investigation also revealed that the accused allegedly obtained work by intimidating businesses in the name of the Mathadi union and then handed over the work to others instead of carrying it out themselves, while collecting money in the process.

Following the investigation, police arrested Bada Kanna. Efforts are underway to trace his three associates and other persons allegedly linked to the gang, said Dattatray Nalawade, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Western Region-3.