Extortion Threat: Pune Businessman Targeted By Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Member, FIR Registered
Kothrud, 5th November 2023: A case of extortion has emerged in Kothrud, Pune, involving a businessman who received threats in the name of Santosh Jadhav, an alleged member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang operating in Punjab and Rajasthan. Pune Police’s crime branch has detained two individuals in connection with this incident.
The targeted businessman, engaged in supplying JCB machines, lodged a complaint at Kothrud police station after receiving a phone call on Saturday night. The caller, referring to Santosh Jadhav and the murder case of Sidhu Moosewala in Punjab, demanded extortion money of Rs 15 lakh. The threat included explicit warnings of harm if the businessman failed to comply. Disturbed by the gravity of the situation, the businessman promptly reported the incident to the Kothrud police, leading to the registration of a case.
Pune Police’s Crime Branch immediately launched an investigation, focusing on tracing and apprehending the individuals behind the extortion threat. Technical verification of the mobile number used for the threatening call was swiftly conducted, leading to the detention of the suspects under suspicion.
The connection between Santosh Jadhav and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang raises questions about the criminal network’s reach. Santosh Sunil Jadhav, aged 28 and residing in Pokhari, Ambegaon, Pune, is a known criminal associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang based in Delhi. Previously booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MoCCA) by rural police, Jadhav and six gang members faced legal action. Currently in jail, Jadhav had a history of demanding extortion money in Narayangaon and was involved in the murder of Omkar alias Ranya Bankhele in Manchar.
After facing legal action in Maharashtra, Jadhav extended his criminal activities to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan before establishing ties with Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang from Punjab. Notably, Jadhav and his associates committed an armed robbery in Ambala, Haryana.
Updates on the investigation will be provided as the police gather more information.
