Family of Four from Mulund Booked by Navghar Police for Extortion
The Navghar police in Mumbai have recently filed a case of extortion and wrongful confinement against four members of a family residing in Mulund. This includes two men and two women, who have been accused of confining a tea stall owner and demanding money from him. The senior inspector at Navghar police station, Madan Patil, confirmed the registration of an FIR against the suspects based on the allegations made by the complainant.
Background of the Allegations
The complainant, a tea stall owner from Kalyan, alleges that he had borrowed ₹1.20 lakh from the father of the suspects, who unfortunately passed away in August. The tea stall owner claims to have paid a total of ₹3.40 lakh into a chit-fund scheme initiated by the deceased between January 2023 and May 2024. However, due to financial constraints, he expressed his inability to continue making payments and requested the return of his remaining amount after deducting the initial loan.
Alleged Coercion and Intimidation
The accused individuals allegedly pressured the tea stall owner to repay the ₹1.20 lakh loan, claiming ignorance of the chit-fund scheme. They reportedly coerced him into signing a blank cheque and even went as far as to threaten him at knifepoint. The tea stall owner further claims that an associate of the suspects visited his residence in Kalyan and misbehaved with his minor daughter, adding to the distressing ordeal.
Details of the Chit-Fund Scheme
The tea stall owner had a longstanding acquaintance with P Gupta, who operated a medical store in Mulund (East), for over a decade. He had borrowed ₹1.20 lakh from Gupta, who later initiated a 20-month chit-fund scheme involving 20 members contributing ₹20,000 monthly, starting from January 2023. The tea stall owner states in the FIR that he had diligently paid a total of ₹3.40 lakh by May 2024. However, upon Gupta’s unfortunate demise in August 2024, his family allegedly began pressuring the tea stall owner to repay the initial loan amount.
Allegations of Coercion and Threats
On 5 September, the suspects summoned the tea stall owner to their residence under the guise of resolving the financial dispute. Upon his arrival, he claims to have been subjected to verbal abuse, threats, and forced to sign a blank cheque against his will. The tea stall owner alleges that he was unlawfully confined for five hours until 9 p.m., adding to the traumatic experience.
Police Investigation and Legal Actions
Senior inspector Madan Patil confirmed the registration of the FIR against the four suspects and stated that the police are currently verifying the incident and examining their financial transactions. One male suspect is reportedly absconding, while no arrests have been made as of yet. Additionally, a separate case was filed by the tea stall owner’s 16-year-old daughter, alleging harassment by an unknown individual sent by the suspects to collect chit-fund money. This led to the filing of a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the Manpada police station on 8 September.
Subheadings:
1. Allegations of Extortion and Wrongful Confinement
2. Chit-Fund Scheme and Financial Transactions
3. Police Investigation and Legal Ramifications
In conclusion, the case of extortion and wrongful confinement involving the Mulund-based family has raised significant concerns regarding financial disputes and alleged coercion tactics. The ongoing police investigation and legal actions aim to address the situation and ensure justice for the victims.