Two held in Nagpur for allegedly demanding Rs 50,000 extortion from businessman, brandishing pistol

Police in Nagpur have arrested two men in connection with an alleged demand for Rs 50,000 in extortion money from a businessman in the Sadar police station area. The accused have been identified as Lakhan Hiranwar and Akash Kataria. Lakhan lives in Dharampeth, while Akash is a resident of Gawalipura in Sadar.

According to the complaint filed with police, the incident took place on the evening of September 11 near the Sulabh toilet at Gandhi Chowk. Vishal Mishra, a 40-year-old businessman from Sadar, was sitting in a car talking to a friend when Lakhan, Akash and two of their associates arrived.

The four allegedly blocked the car's path and told the businessman that he would have to pay Rs 50,000 if he wanted to carry on property dealing in Nagpur.

According to the complaint, Mishra refused to pay. The accused then allegedly beat him with fists. It is also alleged that during this, Akash pulled out a pistol and threatened to kill him.

After the incident, Mishra lodged a complaint at Sadar police station. Police registered a case, began an investigation and started searching for the accused.

During the investigation, police received a tip-off about the accused. Acting on it, police carried out an operation in the Dharampeth area and arrested Lakhan Hiranwar and Akash Kataria.

Police said cases of murder and under the NDPS Act are already registered against Lakhan Hiranwar. Akash Kataria has a record of 11 criminal cases at Sadar police station, including assault, illegal possession of arms and molestation.

Police are now investigating the role of the two remaining associates in the incident. Aspects relating to the alleged weapon are also being examined.