In a troubling incident unfolding in the Vasai-Virar region, two sons of a former municipal cooperator find themselves on the wrong side of the law as they stand accused of attempting to extort a hefty sum of ₹75 lakh from a Kandivali businessman. The businessman in question, Vishnu Basudev Bajaj, aged 55 and residing in Charkop, Kandivali, filed a complaint with the police outlining a harrowing encounter with the accused brothers.
The saga began in 2021 when Bajaj rented his flat in the Pawan Paradise Co-operative Housing Society in Achole, Vasai East, to Amit Shyam Pendhari, one of the accused. However, what started as a straightforward rental agreement took a dark turn, leading to a series of events that now involve allegations of illegal possession and extortion.
According to Bajaj’s account to the police, the trouble began on Wednesday at 3:30 pm when Pendhari, accompanied by his brother Mithun and two other individuals identified as Suraj Laad and Jay Jaichura, forcefully entered Bajaj’s residence. The intruders allegedly brandished threats and made it clear that they meant business.
Bajaj asserted that Pendhari had been occupying his flat unlawfully since 2021 and had failed to fulfill his rental obligations. The situation escalated when the accused, in an apparent act of intimidation, warned Bajaj against involving law enforcement, going so far as to threaten him with harm if he dared to report the matter.
The accused individuals, namely the Pendhari brothers and their alleged associates, now find themselves facing serious charges under sections 385 (extortion), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. The police, although yet to make any arrests, are actively investigating the complaint lodged by Bajaj, diligently collecting evidence to bring clarity to the situation.
A senior officer from the Vasai police station provided insights into the ongoing investigation, stating, “We have not arrested anyone yet. We are verifying the complaint and collecting evidence against the accused.” This cautious approach suggests a meticulous examination of the facts before any decisive action is taken.
This incident shines a light on the vulnerability of individuals who, in good faith, engage in transactions such as renting out their properties. The alleged abuse of power and intimidation tactics employed by the accused not only raise concerns about the safety of law-abiding citizens but also underscore the need for a robust legal response to protect the rights and interests of innocent parties.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the implications of criminal activities involving the progeny of a former municipal cooperator. The case underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who transgress are held accountable for their actions, irrespective of their social or familial ties.
The gravity of the charges, including extortion and criminal intimidation, underscores the need for a thorough and impartial investigation. The pursuit of justice in this case will not only provide redress for the aggrieved businessman but will also serve as a deterrent against such unlawful activities in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that the pillars of justice must remain steadfast, ensuring that individuals, regardless of their background, are subject to the same legal scrutiny when accused of criminal activities. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that reaffirms the principles of fairness and justice in society.
