Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 30: A suburban businessman in Goregaon was left terrified after receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, threatening to harm his family if he did not pay a large sum

The 58-year-old complainant approached the police, and investigations revealed that the caller was no gangster. The culprit was identified as Tejas Shelar, 26, an employee at the businessman’s company.

Police said Shelar had accumulated debts of over Rs 3 lakh in online gaming and tried to extort money from his employer to settle his dues.

Details of the threat

The businessman noticed three missed calls on his phone On August 26. Around 10:30 am, he answered a fourth call. The caller claimed to be a Bishnoi gang member and rattled off detailed information about the businessman’s home, office, factory, and even one of his daughters being present at the office.

The caller demanded a contract amount of Rs 25 lac in cash and 1 kg of gold, claiming four shooters had been sent to various locations linked to the businessman. He suggested a higher payment could lead to a settlement.

When the businessman asked for a meeting near Goregaon police station, the caller disconnected.

Police investigation and arrest

Following the complaint, a team led by DCP Sandeep Jadhav, with senior inspector Suryakant Kharat and inspector Abdul Rauf Shaikh, traced the call.

Investigators discovered the number was registered under a street dweller’s name. Shelar had used this identity to obtain a new SIM card from Ambernath and make the threat calls. Police said Shelar, familiar with his employer’s routine, attempted to scare him using the gangster’s name for quick money.

Shelar was arrested from Ambernath on Aug 27 and produced before a magistrate court.