Police in Jharkhand's Palamu district have made a significant breakthrough by arresting two individuals allegedly involved in a conspiracy to extort a prominent local jeweller. The plot, orchestrated by a notorious gangster, involved threats of violence to secure a massive ransom.
The Arrests and Key Accused
On Thursday, December 25, a police team apprehended Md Nazeem (25) and Murtuza Ansari (28) in Daltonganj. The operation was conducted near a political party office under the supervision of SDPO Mani Bhushan Prasad and led by T M Manowar. The very next day, Friday, December 26, both suspects were remanded to judicial custody.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Palamu, Reeshma Rameshan, confirmed the arrests. The investigation revealed that the mastermind behind the scheme was gangster Prince Khan, who operates from behind bars. Khan allegedly recruited Nazeem, known for previous petty crimes, to execute his plan.
How the Extortion Plot Unfolded
The case first came to light through a social media post by Prem Singh from Chatra, which exposed a threatening call from Prince Khan and even displayed the gangster's contact number. This public disclosure triggered police scrutiny.
According to SDPO Mani Bhushan Prasad, Prince Khan directed Nazeem to carry out a shooting in a crowded area of Daltonganj to create terror. As an advance for this violent act, Khan paid Nazeem Rs 24,000. However, Nazeem reportedly failed to gather the courage to execute the shooting.
The extortion plan then shifted focus. Nazeem, who had in his possession a jewellery bill belonging to jeweller Ranjit Kumar Soni, passed Soni's phone number to Prince Khan. Using this contact, Khan sent a pre-recorded voice message via WhatsApp to Soni, demanding a staggering Rs 1 crore as protection money.
Police Investigation and Seizures
Fearing for his safety, Ranjit Kumar Soni filed a formal complaint (FIR) at the Town Police Station on December 21. The police swiftly formed a special team to track down the culprits.
During the arrest, law enforcement officials recovered critical evidence from the accused, including:
- Two country-made pistols
- Two live ammunition rounds
- Two mobile phones
- Other incriminating items
The arrested individuals have been charged under relevant sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. The police are continuing their efforts to build a strong legal case against the detained suspects and are investigating the wider network of Prince Khan.
This case highlights the persistent challenge of organized crime attempting to intimidate business owners in the region and the proactive role of social media in bringing such threats to light. The swift police action has provided a sense of relief to the local business community in Daltonganj.
