Vasai-Virar police have arrested four men, including a former Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator, on charges of extorting money from a real estate developer. The arrests were made by the Navghar police on Saturday night after a well-planned operation that caught one of the accused red-handed while accepting the first installment of the extortion amount.
The Accused and Their Alleged Crime
The arrested individuals have been identified as Swapnil Bandekar, a former corporator, along with Himanshu Shah, Nitin, and Kishore. According to the police, the group allegedly used Right to Information (RTI) applications to put pressure on the developer, Akash Gupta, who is involved in Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects and construction work in Vasai-Virar.
Gupta had noticed multiple RTI applications filed regarding his projects by these four individuals. It is believed that the group was attempting to use this information to threaten him and extract money in exchange for not creating legal hurdles for his business.
The Extortion Demand and Police Investigation
The complaint filed by Gupta states that the accused initially demanded ₹10 crore from him. However, after negotiations, they reportedly agreed to settle for ₹1.5 crore, to be paid in installments. The first installment of ₹15 lakh was to be handed over at a meeting on Saturday night.
Navghar police, who had been closely monitoring the case, laid a trap at a hotel in Mira Road. As planned, when Himanshu Shah arrived to collect the first payment, the police apprehended him on the spot.
How the Others Were Caught
Following Shah’s arrest, investigators worked swiftly to verify the involvement of the other three men. Based on the evidence and Shah’s statements, police concluded that Swapnil Bandekar, Nitin, and Kishore were also active participants in the extortion attempt.
Once their roles in the crime were confirmed, Navghar police moved in and arrested them as well. All four accused have been booked under section 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with extortion. They were scheduled to be presented before the court on Sunday.
The Use of RTI in Extortion Cases
This case sheds light on a growing trend where RTI applications are being misused to target businesses and individuals. The RTI Act was designed to promote transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to access government records. However, some individuals misuse it by filing multiple applications and then pressuring businesses into paying them to avoid trouble.
For real estate developers, especially those involved in SRA projects, such tactics can be highly damaging. Delays caused by legal hurdles can halt construction, increase costs, and even threaten the financial viability of projects. By demanding money in exchange for withdrawing RTI-related complaints, extortionists exploit developers’ fear of prolonged bureaucratic delays.
What’s Next for the Accused?
The four accused are now in police custody and will face legal proceedings. If convicted under section 308(2) of the BNS, they could face significant jail time and fines. The police are also investigating whether they were involved in similar crimes against other developers in the region.
Additionally, authorities may look into whether any corrupt officials were assisting them by providing access to sensitive project documents. If further evidence emerges, more arrests could follow.
A Cautionary Tale for Developers and Business Owners
The case serves as a warning for real estate developers and business owners. Extortion threats, particularly those linked to RTI filings, have become a method of harassment in certain sectors. Experts suggest that businesses should remain vigilant, maintain proper legal documentation, and report any suspicious demands to the police immediately.
Law enforcement agencies are urging people not to give in to such demands and to seek legal assistance if they find themselves being targeted.
Conclusion
The arrests in this case highlight the importance of proactive policing and swift legal action against those who misuse legal provisions for personal gain. The police’s prompt response and strategic operation in Mira Road ensured that the accused were caught red-handed.
As the case progresses, the focus will be on gathering more evidence and ensuring that justice is served. Meanwhile, the real estate community in Vasai-Virar remains watchful, hoping for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
