In a shocking incident, a senior builder from Thane allegedly received a WhatsApp call demanding ₹10 crore in extortion in the name of the “Bishnoi Group” while he was in Madhya Pradesh for Mahashivratri Pooja. The caller reportedly threatened to kill him if the money was not paid and warned of an “encounter” if he approached the police. A case has been registered at the Naupada Police Station.
According to the complaint, the businessman had travelled with his family to Shivrajpur in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh on February 11, 2026, for Mahashivratri Pooja. Around 7:53 pm the same day, he received a WhatsApp call from an international number. The caller identified himself as a member of the “Bishnoi Group” and allegedly issued a direct threat, demanding ₹10 crore and warning of dire consequences if the demand was not met.
After returning to Thane, the businessman reportedly received four more international calls on February 20, 2026, between 12:20 pm and 12:27 pm while he was at his office in Pachpakhadi. Sensing something suspicious, he did not answer the calls. Subsequently, an audio clip was sent from the same number, once again threatening to kill him.
Frightened by the repeated threats, the businessman approached the police and lodged a formal complaint. The police have registered an offence of extortion and criminal intimidation against an unidentified person.
The investigation is being conducted under the guidance of Senior Police Inspector Abhay Mahajan. As the threatening calls were made from international numbers, assistance from the cyber cell is being sought to trace the accused.
Further investigation is underway.