In a significant breakthrough, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has arrested a man accused of blackmailing and defaming over 15 municipal officials across Mira Bhayander and Vasai Virar regions. The accused, identified as Chandan Thakur, allegedly sent threatening emails and posted obscene content on social media to tarnish the reputation of these officials. After a detailed cyber investigation, Thakur was apprehended from Global City in Virar.
The arrest comes after months of complaints from municipal officials who claimed they were being harassed and blackmailed by an unknown individual. The accused allegedly gathered personal information about the officials and used it to defame them on social media platforms. This led to widespread concern among the municipal staff, prompting the police to launch a thorough investigation.
The Modus Operandi
Chandan Thakur’s method of operation was both calculated and malicious. He would first collect personal details of the officials, including their contact information and social media profiles. Using this information, he would send threatening emails or post defamatory and obscene content on social media platforms. The content was designed to damage the reputation of the officials and create chaos within the municipal departments.
One of the most prominent victims was Ramesh Manale, Additional Commissioner of Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation. Manale filed a complaint after an unknown person circulated obscene content about him on social media. Similarly, Deputy Commissioner Deepak Sawant also reported being targeted in a similar manner.
The situation escalated when multiple officials from Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation also came forward with complaints. The accused had allegedly been harassing them for months, leading to a sense of fear and insecurity among the staff.
The Investigation
The case was handed over to Unit 3 of the Mumbai Crime Branch, which specializes in handling complex and high-profile cases. Under the guidance of senior police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Avinash Ambure and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Milind Ballal, a dedicated team was formed to investigate the matter.
The team collaborated with the Cyber Crime Cell to trace the accused. Using advanced technical tools, they analyzed the digital footprints left by Thakur. One of the key breakthroughs came when they managed to track down the SIM card used by the accused. This led them to discover that Thakur had been using the Zomato app to order food.
The police contacted Zomato and obtained the delivery address linked to the account. However, when they arrived at the location, Thakur refused to open the door for nearly four hours. He even resisted arrest, leading to a tense standoff with the police.
The Arrest
Despite the resistance, the police managed to apprehend Thakur. The arrest was carried out by a team led by Senior Police Inspector Shahu Raj Ranaware and Assistant Police Inspector Suhas Kambale. The officials confirmed that Thakur had been involved in similar crimes in the past.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Milind Ballal, Thakur is a seasoned criminal with a history of serious offenses. Prior to this case, he had been charged in seven other criminal cases, including extortion and harassment. In the current case, eight separate complaints have been filed against him at various police stations, including Bolinj, Bhayander, Mira Road, Tulj, and Navghar.
The Victims’ Ordeal
The victims of Thakur’s harassment have expressed relief following his arrest. Many of them had been living in fear, unsure of when the next attack would come. Ravi Pawar, former Deputy Commissioner of Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation, was one of the victims. He recounted how the defamatory posts had affected his personal and professional life.
Another victim, Maruti Gaikwad, also a Deputy Commissioner, shared a similar experience. He described the emotional toll of being targeted in such a malicious manner. “It’s not just about the defamation. The constant fear of what might come next is exhausting,” he said.
Even Sanjay Katkar, Commissioner of Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation, was not spared. He received an email containing obscene content, which was clearly intended to tarnish his reputation.
The Bigger Picture
This case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in tackling such offenses. With the increasing use of social media, criminals like Thakur find it easier to hide behind the anonymity of the internet. However, the Mumbai Police’s success in this case demonstrates that with the right tools and expertise, it is possible to track down and apprehend such offenders.
The police have also indicated that Thakur may not have acted alone. There is a possibility that he had accomplices who aided him in gathering information and executing the attacks. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend any other individuals involved in the scheme.
Conclusion
The arrest of Chandan Thakur marks a significant victory for the Mumbai Police and the victims of his harassment. It sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated and that those who engage in them will be brought to justice.
For the municipal officials who were targeted, the arrest brings a sense of closure. However, it also serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and precautions when it comes to personal information and online security. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our efforts to protect ourselves from those who seek to misuse it.
In the meantime, the police have assured the public that they will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
