Suspended police officer Sachin Vaze, who was arrested in the Mansukh Hiren murder case, had handed over the responsibility of recovery of installments in Bhandup, Mulund area to Constable Vinayak Shinde.
It is learned that Shinde, a convict in the 2006 Lakhan Bhaiya case, was allegedly collecting 'protection money' from more than 30 bars and clubs in Thane, Vashi and Navi Mumbai areas on behalf of the arrested-suspended cop and prime accused Vaze for the last seven months.
NIA has found an ‘extortion diary’ and mobile and from Shinde's house. The diary lists monthly amount that was fixed for the bars and clubs to pay. It is also being reported that Vaze used to pay a commission to Shinde.The names of 32 clubs, bars and lodges are in it, officials said.
NIA has found evidence that Vaze with the help of Shinde and Naresh Gore killed Mansukh Hiren. Constable Shinde, who was convicted in the Lakhan Bhaiya fake encounter case, had been out on parole since May last year. He had got the job of recovering the installment from Vaze by staying in touch with him.
He was taking lakhs of rupees every month to deliver to Vaze, in return for which he was getting commission, officials said.
On Tuesday, convicted cop Vinayak Shinde and bookie Naresh Gaur were remanded to NIA custody till April 7 in connection with the Mansukh Hiren death case.