Navi Mumbai: A self-proclaimed journalist and his associate were arrested by the Raigad Police for allegedly extorting money from local businessmen, shopkeepers, and officials by threatening legal action through social media posts and printed pamphlets.
The accused, Kishor Sidram Salunke, who claimed to be a journalist with a weekly newspaper and a political party office-bearer, was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 1.5 lakh in a sting operation conducted by the Khopoli Police.
According to the police, Salunke had been actively threatening various individuals — including government officials, traders, social service organizations, and construction professionals — using WhatsApp groups and local pamphlets, accusing them of being involved in unauthorized government work or illegal construction activities. He allegedly demanded money to prevent further action or publicity against them.
One of his recent targets was Niraj Prakash Oswal, a jeweller and builder associated with the “Emark Square” building project in Khopoli. Salunke allegedly demanded Rs. 5 lakh from Oswal to ensure that construction work could continue without disruption. On June 16, Oswal paid Rs 25,000 in cash, but Salunke continued pressuring him for an additional Rs 1.5 lakh. Oswal then filed a formal complaint with the Khopoli Police.
Based on the complaint, Senior Police Inspector Shital Raut, under the guidance of senior officers, formed two dedicated teams and devised a sting operation.
"On the evening of June 17, at around 8.45 PM, Salunke was apprehended while accepting Rs 1.5 lakh at Hotel Ramdev near the Jain temple in Khopoli Market. His accomplice, Kishor Kapurchand Porwal, who acted as a middleman, was also arrested on the spot," Inspector Raut said.
A case has been registered at Khopoli Police Station. Both accused have been booked under sections 308(1), 308(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The local court has remanded them to two days of police custody.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Anchal Dalal, Additional SP Abhijeet Shivthare, and SDPO Vikram Kadam. The sting was executed by Senior PI Raut along with PSI Manoj Thakare, API Abhijeet Vharamble, and their teams.
Raigad Police have urged citizens to come forward and report any similar instances of harassment or extortion to the nearest police station, assuring strict action against those misusing media platforms for personal gain.
