Mumbai police have dismantled an extortion gang operating in Dharavi, targeting workshop owners with threats related to child labor. One suspect has been apprehended while three others remain at large.
Incident Overview
On October 30, at approximately 1:30 PM, the gang approached a workshop owner, claiming they were officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). During this visit, two women, identified as Deepali Dalvi and Megha Sonawane, took photographs of children playing at the workshop.
The women threatened the owner with legal action for employing children, demanding a ransom of ₹25,000. Fearing repercussions, the complainant complied, believing the duo’s claims.
Recurrent Extortion Attempts
It was later revealed that the gang had previously extorted money from several other workshop owners using similar tactics. When Dalvi and Sonawane returned for a second demand, the workshop owner decided to confront them.
Police Intervention
Accompanied by a man named Hanumanta Kunchikarve, who falsely claimed to be a police officer, the women attempted to extract more money. However, the complainant insisted on seeing their BMC identification.
Upon refusal to pay anew, threats were made to file child labor charges against the owner. Alarmed, local residents contacted the police, who arrived shortly to the scene.
Arrest and Investigation
- Deepali Dalvi managed to escape.
- Hanumanta Kunchikarve was apprehended by locals and handed over to the police.
- Upon questioning Kunchikarve, authorities filed a First Information Report (FIR) against him and three other gang members.
Police are actively searching for the remaining suspects to ensure they face justice for their extortion attempts.
Community Safety Measures
The incident underscores the ongoing issue of extortion in the area. Authorities are urging workshop owners to report suspicious activities to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
