Pune: In a recent operation conducted by the Kondhwa police on Monday afternoon at Clover Hills Plaza on NIBM Road, a Mumbai-based real estate businessman was apprehended while accepting an extortion of Rs 25 lakh. The operation came in response to a complaint filed by the owner of a security agency, Colonel Navinder Singh Bevali, residing in Kondhwa.
The businessman, identified as Vijay Jatan Londhe from Dahisar West, Mumbai, was taken into custody under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 384, 385, 379, and 120(b). Notably, the police discovered an identity card belonging to Amar Kasbe, allegedly the Maharashtra secretary of the Republican Party of India (RPI), in the possession of the accused.
According to Assistant Police Inspector Rajesh Usgaonkar, Vijay Londhe is known for his real estate ventures, while Amar Kasbe’s affiliation with the RPI raised eyebrows during the investigation. The complainant, Colonel Navinder Singh Bevali, is associated with Radiant Guard Services Private Limited, a company operating in Gujarat and Maharashtra. It was revealed that the accused had filed multiple complaints against Bevali’s company in the past.
The extortion plot unfolded when Amar Kasbe contacted the complainant via WhatsApp, demanding a ransom of Rs 25 lakhs to withdraw the filed complaints. He further threatened the plaintiff, stating the consequences if his demands were not met. Kasbe instructed the complainant to hand over the cash to an individual stationed near their office.
Alarmed by the threat, the plaintiff promptly alerted the Kondhwa police, who swiftly orchestrated a trap at Clover Hills Plaza. Vijay Londhe, acting as the intermediary, arrived at the plaintiff’s office to collect the extortion money. Amar Kasbe guided the plaintiff through the exchange via phone call.
Following instructions, the plaintiff filled a bag with Rs 50,000 in cash and accompanying documents, handing it over to Vijay Londhe upon his arrival. However, before Londhe could make his escape, law enforcement authorities intervened, catching him red-handed in the act of accepting the illicit payment.
The successful operation was spearheaded by Assistant Police Inspector Rajesh Usgaonkar, with support from Police Commissioner Ganesh Chinchkar, Abhijeet Jadhav, Somnath Mahanawar, and Tushar Dimbale. Further investigations into the matter are underway under the supervision of API Rajesh Usgaonkar.