Scrap dealer held on extortion charges of Rs 6.90 Cr

PTI

Mumbai: A scrap dealer who allegedly tried to extort Rs 6.90 crore from a garment trader posing as gangster Chhota Shakeel has been arrested from suburban Bandra, the police said on Friday.

Afzal Ansari (45), a resident of Shivdi area, was nabbed on Wednesday while accepting cash of Rs two lakh from the victim. His associate Mehboob Shaikh (19) was also held, Anti Extortion Cell (AEC) officials said.

According to the police, the trader was receiving phone calls from Afzal, who allegedly introduced himself as Shakeel and demanded Rs 6.90 crore, failing which he threatened him of dire consequences.

Afzal allegedly told him to pay Rs two lakh as first installment. The victim then approached the AEC police and the duo was arrested.

The mobile phone used in the crime was also seized.