Pune Gangland: Waiter Apprehended for Alleged Extortion Attempt Against Pune Hotelier

By India Crime Correspondent

PUNE, September 18, 2014

• Waiter Behind Bars: Extortion Scheme Thwarted
• Crime Branch Nabs Suspect Using Ravi Pujari’s Identity
• Man Employed Pujari’s Name to Extort Rs 1 Crore from Baner Hotel Owner

A waiter in Hinjewadi found himself in police custody as the Pune crime branch apprehended him on Tuesday night for reportedly attempting to extort a sum of Rs 1 crore from a Baner-based hotel owner.

The accused had allegedly used the name of gangster Ravi Pujari to intimidate the victim into making the payment.

Accused Sent to Police Custody Remand

Charles James Thapa (21), hailing from Jharkhand and residing on B T Kavade Road in Ghorpadi and Talegaon Dabhade, was arrested and presented before a magisterial court on Wednesday. The court subsequently ordered his remand in police custody until September 22.

Waiter Capitalizes on Notorious Gangster’s Name

According to Anil Patil, senior inspector of the anti-extortion cell of the crime branch, Thapa hatched his extortion scheme after coming across news regarding gangster Ravi Pujari’s alleged communication with Shahrukh Khan’s production house, Red Chillies.

This encounter prompted Thapa to attempt the use of Pujari’s name to coerce the hotelier into paying the exorbitant sum.

Unfolding the Extortion Plot

Thapa, who was employed as a waiter at a dabha in Talegaon Dabhade, reportedly selected the hotelier’s contact details from an online source. Commencing from September 14, he initiated a barrage of calls demanding money.

Despite initial disregard by the victim, the consistent threats led the hotelier to report the issue to the Shivajinagar police station.

Crime Branch Traces Calls to Hinjewadi Location

Investigating the matter, the crime branch managed to track Thapa’s calls, ultimately leading to his arrest in Hinjewadi.

It was unveiled that he had procured a Karnataka sim card and communicated ransom demands in Hindi.

Further revelations highlighted Thapa’s background in the hotel industry, where he had worked in Pune, Bangalore, and Goa.

Accused’s Relatives and Personal Possessions Under Scrutiny

Thapa’s parents, his mother employed at a beauty parlour and father working as a chef at a hotel on Sassoon Road, became part of the unfolding investigation.

His cellphone, considered crucial to the case, was seized for further examination.

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