In a sensational case of extortion in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, four youths were arrested by Vile Parle Police for allegedly demanding ₹20 lakh from a jewellers in suburban Mumbai. The accused were caught red-handed while collecting ₹5 lakh in cash at Kurla’s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus following a meticulously planned police trap.
The arrested accused have been identified as Deepak Narendra Dangol (19), Majid Sajid Khan (21), Faizan Firoz Khan (27) and Sahil Iliyaz Shaikh (20).
According to police, the complainant, who runs Mangal Royal Jewellers Pvt. Ltd. in Vile Parle East, received a threatening WhatsApp message from a foreign number on the night of February 12. The message demanded ₹20 lakh in cash and warned that he would be shot if the money was not paid, claiming to be from the “Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, Canada.”
Subsequently, the businessman and his family began receiving repeated threatening calls and messages, creating panic in the household. On February 14, the caller, claiming to be a gang member, reiterated the demand of ₹20 lakh over a WhatsApp call. When the businessman expressed inability to pay such a large sum, negotiations began. Eventually, the demanded amount was reduced to ₹5 lakh.
On February 15, the caller instructed the businessman to keep the money ready and said further instructions would follow at night.
The businessman had already informed Vile Parle Police about the threats. Under the guidance of Police Inspector Srinivas Chewale, multiple teams in plain clothes were formed and security around the businessman and his family was tightened.
On February 16 at around 10:53 am, another message instructed the businessman to keep the money ready by 2 pm. Later, he was directed to send his staff to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Kurla, with the cash. The caller repeatedly checked how long it would take to reach.
As per the police plan, the businessman sent two of his employees on a scooter with ₹5 lakh kept in a handbag.
At around 4:31 pm, the caller informed the employees that “my man has identified your men” and that the code word would be “Lalpari.” Shortly thereafter, four suspicious youths arrived at the parking area. They initially conducted reconnaissance, asked about the password, and left.
After some time, two of them returned, said the code word “Lalpari,” collected the bag and attempted to flee in an autorickshaw. However, police personnel lying in wait chased them for nearly 200 metres and apprehended all four accused.
The accused were initially taken to BKC Police Station and later handed over to Vile Parle Police.
During the search, police recovered ₹5 lakh in cash, several mobile phones and train tickets from the accused. During interrogation, it was revealed that the extortion was allegedly being carried out at the behest of two individuals identified as Imtiyaz and Bashir. The collected money was to be handed over to Sahil Shaikh. Each accused was reportedly promised ₹5,000 for executing the plan.
A case has been registered under Sections 308(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
With swift planning and precise execution, Mumbai Police foiled a major extortion conspiracy carried out in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.