Juhu developer gets threat calls

Mumbai: A Juhu-based developer allegedly received threat calls from underworld gangster Fahim Machmach — who is allegedly an aide of Chhota Shakeel, a key lieutenant of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim — demanding protection money of Rs 10 crore.

The Juhu police registered a case after the developer lodged a complaint stating that the caller threatened to kill him if he failed to pay the protection money. The police is also verifying if  “caller was a local as the complainant is involved in a few disputes and he is also being questioned about them”, said a source.

The investigation revealed that the caller made two threat calls to the property developer between July 27 and August 2 and used abusive language.

“I am Fahim, calling on behalf of Chhota Shakeel. Your business is doing well, we heard. Pay us Rs 10 crore for it to continue in a similar manner,” the caller stated identifying himself as Fahim. The Juhu police has formed teams to track the accused caller.

“The calls were received between July 27 and August 2. The caller identified himself as Fahim claiming to be Shakeel’s man. We are gathering further details in the case,” said Dattatray Bhargude, an assistant commissioner of police (Juhu).

The calls were made using voice over internet protocol (VOIP), and the country code of the caller was +34 which belongs to Spain, officials said. As the VOIP calls can be made using code of foreign countries, the police is investigating if the caller was a local.

The Mumbai crime branch, which investigates cases related to underworld, conducted a preliminary investigation in the case and ruled out gangland activities.

The police is in the process of tracking down the accused to ascertain the facts behind the threat call.

A case under section 385 (extortion) of Indian Penal Code has been registered against an unknown person, and further investigation is underway.