Pune: Social Activist and Journalist Booked for Duping Woman of Rs 20 Lakh, Claiming To ‘Settle’ Her Husband’s Case
Kondhwa, 5th January 2024: The Kondhwa police station has registered a complaint against two individuals, including an activist and a journalist, for committing fraud and extorting Rs 20 lakh from the husband of a woman. The incident occurred between January 2023 and April 4, 2023, at the accused’s office at Brahma Estate and Kausarbagh Masjid Hall in the Kondhwa area.
A 41-year-old woman residing on NIBM Road filed a complaint with the Kondhwa Police Station on Wednesday (3rd January). The police have registered a case under IPC sections 406, 420, 506, and 34 against Iqbal Ibrahim Sheikh of Kausarbagh, Kondhwa, and Sajid Basit Sheikh of Bhagyodaya Nagar, Kondhwa.
The sequence of events began last year when a complaint was lodged against Parvez Dulla Khan, the woman’s husband, with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). In an attempt to prevent Khan’s arrest, the accused, posing as mediators, convinced the complainant to pay Rs 20 lakhs to avoid police case. Despite the payments, Khan was arrested, and when the woman demanded the return of the money, the accused not only refused but also subjected her to verbal abuse.
Police Inspector Santosh Sonawane, in charge of Kondhwa police station, revealed that the accused were posing as social activists and engaging in blackmail activities. One claimed to be a social activist, while the other operated a news portal named Khadi Express. Their actions tarnished the image of the police force, leading to strict action being taken against them.
