Bombay High Court Intervenes to Restore Security for Mumbai Developer Amid Death Threats
The Bombay High Court has issued a directive to the Mumbai police, ordering them to restore protection for a city-based developer who has allegedly been receiving repeated death threats and extortion demands in the name of underworld gangster Chhota Shakeel. This decision comes after the developer filed a writ petition challenging the withdrawal of his security cover by the Protection Review Committee.
Court Proceedings and Immediate Actions
In response to the petition, the court has taken several significant steps. It has issued a notice to the state government and directed the police to produce the original records from a meeting held on December 18, 2025, where the decision to withdraw security was made. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 15. Importantly, the court has stayed the operation of the committee's decision and ordered that two armed constables be provided as security to the developer. Additionally, the builder has been instructed to deposit three months' protection charges in advance through a bank guarantee amounting to Rs 14 lakh.
Details of the Threats and Recent Incident
The developer recently reported another alarming incident, alleging that he received a fresh death threat last Friday. A handwritten note and a live cartridge were left on his car in the Versova area. The note, written in Hindi and purportedly signed in the name of Chhota Shakeel, warned that the next bullet would be fired into his chest if he failed to comply with the demands. In response, the Versova police registered a case on Tuesday to investigate this threat.
Background and Extortion Demands
According to the developer, these threats are directly linked to a major 12-acre redevelopment project in the Bandra-Kurla Complex area, where construction work is currently underway. He has alleged that he has been receiving extortion demands of Rs 50 crore in connection with this project, highlighting the severe pressure and risks faced by individuals in high-stakes real estate developments in Mumbai.
Legal and Security Implications
This case underscores the ongoing challenges in urban security and the legal recourse available to citizens facing intimidation. The Bombay High Court's intervention emphasizes the judiciary's role in safeguarding individuals against potential harm, especially when state mechanisms may fall short. The developer's petition argued that he continued to receive fresh threats even after the protection was discontinued, prompting the court to take swift action to ensure his safety.
The situation remains under judicial scrutiny, with the upcoming hearing on April 15 expected to delve deeper into the records and decisions of the Protection Review Committee. This development serves as a critical reminder of the persistent threats posed by organized crime in metropolitan areas and the importance of robust legal protections for vulnerable individuals.
