News for 'extortion'

Sarpanch murder: Walmik, two aides seen with suspended cop in video

Sarpanch murder: Walmik, two aides seen with suspended cop in video

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

A video clip of three accused in an extortion case linked to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, walking together has emerged on social media. The video also shows a suspended police officer in the group accompanying the accused. The video has sparked controversy and raised questions about the involvement of the police in the case. BJP MLA Suresh Dhas has demanded that the suspended police officer be named as a co-accused in the case and that action be taken against other police officers who have been accused of wrongdoing.

'Just like your father...': Baba Siddique's son gets death threat

'Just like your father...': Baba Siddique's son gets death threat

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Former Maharashtra MLA and NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique has received a death threat via email, demanding Rs 10 crore and threatening to "kill him the same way" as his father, Baba Siddique, who was shot dead last year. The sender claimed to be a member of the D-company and warned Zeeshan not to contact police. Police have launched a probe into the death threat and extortion demand.

Skip Thug Life, Watch This Film Instead

Skip Thug Life, Watch This Film Instead

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

The gangster saga Nayakan not only earned Mani Ratnam's reputation as a great director, the dubbed version of the film also did well in Mumbai, so much so that Feroz Khan's Hindi remake, Dayavan, starring Vinod Khanna, could not compare, recalls Deepa Gahlot.

Shinde seeks death penalty for 'Walmik Karad or anyone else'

Shinde seeks death penalty for 'Walmik Karad or anyone else'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has demanded the death penalty for those involved in the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, calling the crime "heinous." Shinde said that no one involved in the case, including Walmik Karad, a close aide of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, will be spared. Deshmukh was abducted and tortured to death on December 9 after he resisted an extortion attempt targeting an energy company operating a windmill project in the area. Karad was arrested in the extortion case linked to the murder after he surrendered to police in Pune on December 31.

Unnatural sex with wife not punishable under law: HC

Unnatural sex with wife not punishable under law: HC

Rediff.com21 May 2025

Saying the law doesn't recognise the concept of marital rape, the Delhi high court has quashed an order directing prosecution of a man for performing 'unnatural' sex with his wife.

'Baap' in Beed: Walmik Karad's audio clip goes viral

'Baap' in Beed: Walmik Karad's audio clip goes viral

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

An undated audio clip, allegedly featuring Walmik Karad, a close aide of NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, has surfaced online. In the audio, Karad is purportedly heard telling a man not to worry as "influential people" were sitting in Beed. Karad is an accused in an extortion case linked to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. This comes after a video clip of Karad, along with other accused, walking with a suspended police officer emerged on social media last week. The audio clip has sparked further controversy surrounding the case.

Maha minister Dhananjay Munde resigns amid row over sarpanch murder

Maha minister Dhananjay Munde resigns amid row over sarpanch murder

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The resignation followed a vociferous demand by the opposition for Munde's removal from the cabinet.

2 Gujarat SPs among 19 booked for abducting, extorting Bhuj firm staffer

2 Gujarat SPs among 19 booked for abducting, extorting Bhuj firm staffer

Rediff.com17 Feb 2024

The probe agency, in the release, did not disclose the exact roles of the accused police officers, citing that it would affect the investigation.

Wanted Punjab terrorist arrested in US; had links with ISI, BKI

Wanted Punjab terrorist arrested in US; had links with ISI, BKI

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia alias Jora, an alleged terrorist who had illegally entered the US, was arrested by the FBI and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations in Sacramento.

Munde came to meet me with Walmik Karad, reveals Jarange

Munde came to meet me with Walmik Karad, reveals Jarange

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday claimed Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde met him before the state polls last year along with his associate Walmik Karad, arrested later in an extortion case linked to the murder of a sarpanch.

Beed sarpanch murder: Maha govt forms 10-member SIT

Beed sarpanch murder: Maha govt forms 10-member SIT

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

The SIT will be headed by Crime Investigation Department's (CID) Deputy Inspector General Basavraj Teli, said an order issued by the state Home department.

Govt worried as Indo-Canadians get extortion calls

Govt worried as Indo-Canadians get extortion calls

Rediff.com5 Jan 2024

India on Thursday described as 'matter of serious concern' reports that said some members of the Indian community in Canadian province of British Columbia received 'extortion calls'.

Maha police may invoke MCOCA in Beed sarpanch murder case

Maha police may invoke MCOCA in Beed sarpanch murder case

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Police are examining the past records of the arrested men in the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case and a related case of extortion to decide if the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) should be invoked, sources said on Thursday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he had requested senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam to appear as a special prosecutor in the murder case. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) has sought old case papers and chargesheets against the arrested men. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed, was abducted and brutally killed on December 9, allegedly for opposing an extortion bid by some persons who had demanded money from a windmill company. Beed Police has put up posters seeking information about whereabouts of three wanted accused in the murder case. CM Fadnavis said he spoke to BJP MLA from Beed, Suresh Dhas who demanded that Nikam be appointed as special public prosecutor in the case. Nikam was a special public prosecutor in several high-profile cases, including the 26/11 terror attacks and 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that "smaller fish" could be killed in fake encounters to save the "big fish" involved in the Deshmukh murder and extortion cases. Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative council Ambadas Danve said the trial in the case should be conducted outside Beed district. NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, who has come under fire after the alleged involvement of his aide Karad in the extortion matter came to light, said those who murdered Santosh Deshmukh should be tried in a fast-track court and "hanged till death." The government on Wednesday set up a 10-member SIT to probe the case, headed by Deputy Inspector General -CID Basavraj Teli.

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Two years after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) continue to live in overcrowded camps, struggling to rebuild their lives and facing an uncertain future. Despite the sacking of the Chief Minister and the imposition of President's rule, peace remains a distant hope. While hill-based Kukis demand a separate administration, Meiteis seek implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and deportation of those they consider illegal immigrants. The IDPs, grappling with severe psychological distress, feel forgotten by the government and are forced to depend on the mercy of others for basic needs.

Sarpanch murder: Ajit Pawar has asked Fadnavis to...

Sarpanch murder: Ajit Pawar has asked Fadnavis to...

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday said no one will be spared in the Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case even as he defended his party and cabinet colleague Dhananjay Munde.

Beed cops to wear name plates without surnames

Beed cops to wear name plates without surnames

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Police personnel in Maharashtra's Beed district will now put up their name plates without surnames, in an attempt to eliminate caste-based discrimination. This follows an earlier directive by the Superintendent of Police (SP) Navneet Kanwat in January to address each other by their first name, and not surname. The move comes in the wake of the murder of a village sarpanch, allegedly by members of a dominant community, which had a caste angle. The new policy is being implemented across police stations and offices in the district, with nearly 100 name plates distributed so far.

Four militants held in Manipur; arms, ammo seized in search op

Four militants held in Manipur; arms, ammo seized in search op

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Four militants belonging to different proscribed outfits in Imphal Valley were arrested in separate operations by police. Among those arrested were Thokchom Ongbi Anita Devi, a PLA member, Moirangtham Ricky Singh of UNLF-K, Laishram Bishorjit Meitei of PREPAK, and Yumnam Premjit Meitei associated with Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba).

Fadnavis' office receives bomb threat from Pak number

Fadnavis' office receives bomb threat from Pak number

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Whatsapp helpline of Mumbai traffic police received a message from a Pakistan number containing a threat to blow up Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' office in Mantralaya, an official said on Friday.

Wife reveals Beed sarpanch was threatened by...

Wife reveals Beed sarpanch was threatened by...

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was threatened by some unidentified persons days before his murder following a quarrel at a windmill company, his wife claimed on Monday.

Got offer to conduct encounter of Walmik Karad: Suspended cop

Got offer to conduct encounter of Walmik Karad: Suspended cop

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A suspended police sub-inspector from Beed, Maharashtra, India, has alleged that he was offered money to carry out an "encounter" of Walmik Karad, an accused in the murder case of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The suspended cop, Ranjeet Kasle, claims he mentioned the names of the individuals who made the offer in a local police station diary. However, a senior police official from Beed has dismissed Kasle's claims as baseless and demanded proof. Kasle was suspended earlier while serving as a sub-inspector in the local cyber crime department. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village, was abducted and killed last December allegedly for attempting to stop extortion targeting an energy company. Karad is among eight individuals arrested in connection with the murder and charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The state Crime Investigation Department (CID) filed a chargesheet in the case last month. Kasle's claims come amidst ongoing investigations into the custodial death of Badlapur sexual assault case accused Akshay Shinde. Kasle has demanded a central government SIT to investigate Shinde's death, believing it will reveal the truth.

Pune businessman abducted, murdered in Bihar; 7 arrested

Pune businessman abducted, murdered in Bihar; 7 arrested

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Laxman Sadhu Shinde's body was found in Bihar's Jehanabad district on Tuesday. He had landed at the Patna airport on April 11.

Fadnavis will ask Munde to resign if...: Maha min

Fadnavis will ask Munde to resign if...: Maha min

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will ask NCP minister Dhananjay Munde to step down if any evidence is found linking him to sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder, his cabinet colleague Chandrakant Patil has said. A comprehensive probe is being conducted into the murder of Deshmukh, BJP leader Patil told reporters in Sangli on Sunday. Walmik Karad, an associate of minister Munde, has been arrested in an extortion case linked to the sarpanch's killing. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured and killed on December 9 for trying to stop an extortion attempt against an energy firm operating a windmill project there. Munde, the NCP MLA from Parli in Beed district, is under attack from some of the ruling alliance colleagues and the opposition over his links with Karad. The Maharashtra government has already seized properties of the accused in sarpanch Deshmukh murder case. Stringent charges have been invoked and the probe is going on, the BJP leader said. The police machinery is actively investigating the case, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed for a probe into it, Patil said. Additionally, a committee headed by a retired judge has been constituted to oversee the inquiry, the minister said. Steps are being taken, including invocation of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against Walmik Karad and other accused, Patil pointed out. The process of seizing Karad's assets is also underway, he added.

'Digital Arrest?' Don't Panic!

'Digital Arrest?' Don't Panic!

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Targets should avoid panicking and hang up. 'Disconnecting stops the scammers from building psychological pressure.'

Why Was This Bangladesh Model Arrested?

Why Was This Bangladesh Model Arrested?

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Meghna Alam's arrest came soon after she claimed that she had an affair with a married Saudi diplomat posted to Bangladesh, who she blamed for 'trying to silence her with the help of law enforcement agencies'.

Sarpanch murder: Assailants recorded 15 videos, took 8 photos of brutality

Sarpanch murder: Assailants recorded 15 videos, took 8 photos of brutality

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The chargesheet in the murder case of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, reveals horrific details of the torture he endured at the hands of his abductors. The accused recorded 15 videos, clicked eight photos, and even made two video calls, documenting the brutality. Deshmukh was abducted and killed in December for attempting to foil an extortion bid on an energy company. Seven men, including a close aide of state minister Dhananjay Munde, have been arrested so far.

Now, Insurance For Money Loss From Online Scams

Now, Insurance For Money Loss From Online Scams

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

In an age where personal data is a valuable commodity, investing in cyber insurance is not just a prudent choice; it is becoming a necessity for individuals and families alike, says T A Ramalingam.

Sarpanch murder: 'Ajit Pawar will soon know if...'

Sarpanch murder: 'Ajit Pawar will soon know if...'

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will come to know 'in a few days' if his Nationalist Congress Party and cabinet colleague Dhananjay Munde has any link to the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case, claimed Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Suresh Dhas on Friday.

Maha minister Dhananjay Munde reveals he's suffering from...

Maha minister Dhananjay Munde reveals he's suffering from...

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Embattled Maharashtra minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Dhananjay Munde on Thursday said he has been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a condition that causes sudden weakness in face muscles, which had severely affected his ability to speak.

Budding K'taka songwriter tries to extort Rs 5 cr from Salman; held

Budding K'taka songwriter tries to extort Rs 5 cr from Salman; held

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Mumbai Police arrested a budding songwriter for allegedly sending threat messages to Bollywood actor Salman Khan and demanding Rs 5 crore from him in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Sohail Pasha, held from Raichur in Karnataka, wanted a song written by him to become famous and used this ploy for the purpose, police claimed.

Beed sarpanch was killed because...: SIT tells court

Beed sarpanch was killed because...: SIT tells court

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

A Special Investigation Team of Maharashtra Police told a court at Beed on Wednesday that Santosh Deshmukh was killed because he was thought to be an obstacle in a plan to extort Rs 2 crore from an energy firm, and Walmik Karad was in contact with his killers when the crime was executed.

Arms dealer Bhandari opposes ED's fugitive plea in black money case

Arms dealer Bhandari opposes ED's fugitive plea in black money case

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari has opposed the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea in a Delhi court seeking to declare him a "fugitive " in connection with a black money case. Bhandari claims his stay in the UK is legal as the London High Court denied his extradition to India. The court's decision was also cited by an English court in April to deny the Indian government's request to extradite another accused in a rice-buying scam. Bhandari's lawyer argued that the ED's application was "vague, misplaced and without jurisdiction " and that the value involved in the case was less than the required Rs 100 crore to declare someone a "fugitive. " The Delhi court has sought the ED's rebuttal to Bhandari's argument by May 3.

Beed sarpanch murder: Jarange booked over remarks against Munde

Beed sarpanch murder: Jarange booked over remarks against Munde

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has been booked by Beed police for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde over the murder of a sarpanch in the district. The FIR was registered based on a complaint by Tukaram Aghav, who alleged that Jarange's remarks were aimed at creating a divide in society. The activist had targeted Munde during a rally in Parbhani, stating that the Maratha community would not allow Munde to roam the streets if the sarpanch's family was harmed. Munde's supporters protested against Jarange, demanding action against him. The sarpanch, Santosh Deshmukh, was abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9, allegedly for trying to prevent extortion from an energy firm. Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder case, including Walmik Karad, an associate of Munde, who has been arrested in the extortion case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) is probing the cases.

Sarpanch murder: Munde's aide booked under MCOCA, supporters create ruckus

Sarpanch murder: Munde's aide booked under MCOCA, supporters create ruckus

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Walmik Karad, an aide to Maharashtra Nationalist Congress Party minister Dhananjay Munde, was on Tuesday charged under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody in an extortion case allegedly linked to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

Deceased sarpanch's kin drops plea seeking Munde's ouster

Deceased sarpanch's kin drops plea seeking Munde's ouster

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

A petition filed by murdered sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's brother in the Bombay high court, seeking a direction to the Maharashtra government to remove Nationalist Congress Party minister Dhananjay Munde from the cabinet, has been withdrawn.

I am Arjun, can't be cornered like Abimanyu: Maha minister Munde

I am Arjun, can't be cornered like Abimanyu: Maha minister Munde

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde has denied any involvement in the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, saying he is being targeted by the opposition and some leaders within the ruling alliance. He compared himself to Arjun from the Mahabharata, claiming he cannot be cornered like Abhimanyu. Munde also criticized the media trial and social media trolling he has faced since the murder.

Beed sarpanch murder: Munde's aide turns himself in, govt in soup

Beed sarpanch murder: Munde's aide turns himself in, govt in soup

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Before going to the police, Karad posted a video on social media, announcing that he would surrender and claimed he was being linked to the murder case due to political vendetta.

Dhananjay Munde resigns hours after photos of Deshmukh murder go viral

Dhananjay Munde resigns hours after photos of Deshmukh murder go viral

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Beleaguered Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde resigned from the cabinet on Tuesday, days after his close aide Walmik Karad was named as the mastermind in the murder of a village sarpanch and three months after the new Mahayuti government assumed office.

India appeals UK court ruling on Bhandari extradition

India appeals UK court ruling on Bhandari extradition

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The Indian government as respondent in Sanjay Bhandari extradition case has sought permission from the London high court to appeal against the discharge of the defence sector consultant wanted in Delhi to face charges of alleged tax evasion and money laundering.

Houses of mob attack accused demolished in Ahmedabad

Houses of mob attack accused demolished in Ahmedabad

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Authorities in Ahmedabad demolished the houses of six out of 14 accused arrested for attacking commuters and rioting in the city. The demolition followed a mob attack on Thursday night in which three people were injured and several vehicles were damaged. The police are taking action against "anti-social elements" in the city, including preparing a list of repeat offenders and taking action against illegal constructions and encroachments.

Two detained in Meerut in comedian Sunil Pal's kidnapping case

Two detained in Meerut in comedian Sunil Pal's kidnapping case

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Two people have been detained and are being questioned by Meerut police in connection with the alleged kidnapping and extortion of comedian Sunil Pal. Pal's wife visited the Lal Kurti police station in Meerut with three lawyers to inquire about the matter. Last week, Pal claimed that he was abducted while on his way to Uttarakhand for a show. He claimed the kidnappers demanded a ransom of Rs 20 lakh, but he managed to secure his release after paying Rs 8 lakh, which he collected from some friends. The comedian said he was dropped by the side of a road in Meerut, from where he made his way to the Delhi airport and flew to Mumbai. The kidnapping case of comedian Sunil Pal has been transferred from Mumbai to Meerut. The police are also looking into an audio clip that has surfaced online, in which Pal allegedly discusses the kidnapping plan with an unidentified person, mentioning his wife's awareness of the situation and media discussions about the episode. Pal's wife, Sarita, claimed the viral audio clip had been edited. She said Pal is currently at home but is unwell, which is why she came to Meerut to meet police officials. When asked about any connection to the recent kidnapping case of Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, Sarita said she had no knowledge of it.