The Borivali police registered a First Information Report on April 9 against a Dubai-based couple and noted fashion designer Riyaz Gangji for allegedly threatening a developer with death and attempting to extort ₹1.5 crore. The accused have been identified as Akil Mukhi and Fajila Mukhi, who are currently based in Dubai. According to officials, the complaint was filed after the developer reported receiving serious threats linked to financial disputes. The case has drawn attention due to the involvement of an internationally based couple and a well-known figure from the fashion industry, raising concerns about intimidation tactics and alleged criminal pressure in real estate dealings.
As per the police complaint, the informant, Sameer Bhube, aged 49, resides in Borivali West and owns Navkar Builders and Developers. He stated that in April 2016, a property broker helped Akil and Fajila Mukhi book a flat in the Royal Green project located in Marol for ₹72 lakh. The buyers reportedly paid ₹45 lakh initially, leaving a substantial amount unpaid. Bhube further explained that the housing project experienced delays caused by administrative and procedural challenges, which impacted the timeline for possession and completion, eventually leading to disagreements between the parties involved.
Bhube also mentioned that his firm paid a total of ₹4.2 lakh as rent to the buyers during 2025 as compensation for the delay. In a meeting held in November 2025, the couple was informed that possession of the flat would be given by January 5, even though the pending payment had not been cleared. However, on January 7, the Mukhi couple allegedly contacted Bhube over the phone, claiming to have links with the underworld. During the call, they reportedly issued threats and demanded ₹1.5 crore, escalating the dispute into a serious criminal matter involving intimidation and alleged extortion attempts.
The complaint further names Riyaz Gangji, the owner of the Libas fashion brand, accusing him of backing the couple and allegedly threatening Bhube. It is claimed that Gangji warned of obstructing the builder’s ongoing projects by exerting influence over authorities. Additionally, Bhube alleged that a defamatory news report targeting him was deliberately published to tarnish his image, and that its headline was shared with him through WhatsApp messages. Following the allegations, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to common intention, extortion, and defamation, and have initiated further investigation.