Extortion. pic for representational purpose
Kolkata: Police have launched a probe into the extortion , assault and abduction case in central Kolkata after a 28-year-old resident was allegedly wrongfully confined, tortured and forced to pay a ransom of Rs 5 lakh after an initial demand of Rs 25 lakh. The case was registered at Entally PS on Sept 17 following a written complaint by the victim, Md Anas Ali, a resident of Taltala Lane, according to police. The assailants allegedly intimidated, wrongfully confined and physically assaulted the victim while demanding an extortion amount between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh. Based on the complaint, Entally Police registered a case under several stringent provisions of the BNS, 2023. The invoked charges include sections 140 (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder or for ransom), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 118(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 308 (extortion), 351(2) (criminal intimidation) and 3(5) (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).
Ali alleged that the incident took place when a group of individuals acting in collusion intercepted him. Officers are currently analysing the transaction trail of the bank account used to receive the money, along with technical evidence and CCTV footage from the transit route and the G T Khan Road godown. Cops claimed a financial enmity might have led to the incident.
Under severe coercion and threats to the victim’s safety, Ali’s uncle was forced to transfer Rs 5 lakh via IMPS into a private bank account belonging to an associate of the attackers. At the godown, he was subjected to further physical assault and illegally detained before being released. The ordeal did not end with the bank transfer. The victim alleged that the perpetrators subsequently bundled him into a vehicle against his will and transported him to a godown on G T Khan Road.