Thane Crime Branch Uncovers Systematic Extortion Racket Using RTI Threats
The Thane crime branch investigation into a recent extortion case has revealed disturbing details about a systematic racket targeting local businessmen. Police have arrested two individuals, Sushant Surve and Akshay Karanjavkar, for allegedly extorting Rs 2 lakh from businessman Viral Patel through threats of civic action.
Modus Operandi: RTI Applications as Extortion Tools
According to police officials, the accused employed a calculated method to pressure their victims. The operation typically began with someone filing a Right to Information (RTI) application or lodging a formal complaint against a business or developer with municipal authorities. Once the complaint was registered, Surve and Karanjavkar would approach the targeted business owner, offering to "settle" the issue in exchange for substantial monetary payments.
"The accused would use the same complaints repeatedly to extract more money from victims over time," explained a senior police officer involved in the investigation. "This created a cycle of pressure and payment that could continue indefinitely if not interrupted."
Accused Profile: Habitual Offender with Municipal Corruption Links
The investigation has revealed that Sushant Surve is allegedly a habitual offender with a history of blackmailing activities spanning several years. Police records indicate Surve previously surfaced in the high-profile Thane Municipal Corporation bribery case involving suspended deputy municipal commissioner Shankar Patole. He was arrested during that investigation as well, suggesting a pattern of involvement in corruption-related offenses.
His associate, Akshay Karanjavkar, allegedly posed as an RTI activist during the extortion attempts. In the case involving businessman Viral Patel, Karanjavkar specifically threatened closure of Patel's shops through municipal authorities unless payment was made.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Police are currently examining multiple aspects of the case to determine the full extent of the extortion racket. "The probe in this regard is underway," confirmed a police officer. "We are thoroughly examining Surve's call detail records, financial transactions, and links with his associates to ascertain how widespread this operation might have been."
Both accused individuals have been produced before a local court and remanded to magisterial custody as the investigation continues. The crime branch is particularly interested in identifying additional victims who may have been targeted by similar tactics but have not yet come forward.
Broader Implications for Business Security
This case highlights vulnerabilities in the system that allow legitimate mechanisms like RTI applications to be weaponized for criminal purposes. Business owners in Thane and surrounding areas are being advised to report any suspicious approaches involving municipal complaints and monetary demands to authorities immediately.
The Thane crime branch has assured the public that they are committed to dismantling such extortion networks completely and will pursue all leads aggressively. The investigation remains active with additional arrests possible as more evidence emerges about the scope of the criminal operation.
