Jharkhand News: Man Arrested in Jamshedpur for Demanding ₹5 Crore Extortion from Salman Khan

Jamshedpur, October 24, 2024: The Maharashtra Police have apprehended a man from Jamshedpur, accused of demanding ₹5 crore as extortion from Bollywood actor Salman Khan. The accused, identified as Sheikh Hossain, was detained from the Azadnagar area of Mango in Jamshedpur. Hossain is alleged to have sent threatening messages to the actor, which prompted a swift investigation by the authorities. The Mumbai Police, in coordination with local law enforcement, will soon take Hossain to Mumbai on a transit remand.

Suspect Originated from West Bengal, Residing in Jamshedpur

Sheikh Hossain is originally from Bagmundi, West Bengal and had been residing in Jamshedpur for several years. According to police sources, Hossain previously worked as a vegetable vendor in the bustling Sakchi market. However, he reportedly quit this job last year.

Investigations have revealed that Hossain was inspired to carry out the extortion attempt after following news coverage about threats made to Salman Khan by Lawrence Bishnoi, a known criminal figure. The accused thought of capitalizing on the situation by demanding a significant sum from the popular actor.

How the Mumbai Police Tracked Down the Suspect

On October 16, Mumbai Police received a threatening message addressed to Salman Khan. The message, sent via WhatsApp, was traced back to a number registered in Jamshedpur. However, identifying the suspect’s exact location proved challenging as Hossain had switched off his phone after sending the initial message. The police continued to investigate the case, treating it with utmost seriousness given the high-profile nature of the target.

The breakthrough came when Sheikh Hossain, believing he had misled the authorities, decided to send another message, claiming that his earlier message was a mistake. This move allowed the police to trace the active location of the mobile device, pinpointing it to Jamshedpur. Collaborating with local law enforcement, the Mumbai Police managed to locate and arrest Hossain from the Sakchi area.

The Extortion Scheme Inspired by Media Reports

During preliminary interrogation, Hossain disclosed that he had formulated the extortion plan after watching televised reports about Lawrence Bishnoi’s threats to Salman Khan. Hossain saw an opportunity to exploit the ongoing situation, thinking he could intimidate the actor into paying a large sum. According to sources, Sheikh Hossain searched online for contact numbers associated with the Mumbai Police and sent the extortion message via their official WhatsApp channel, hoping it would not be traced back to him.

Recovery of Evidence and Next Steps

Following his arrest, the authorities recovered the mobile phone used to send the extortion messages. The device will be presented as evidence, and the Mumbai Police will seek a transit remand to transfer Sheikh Hossain from Jamshedpur to Mumbai for further questioning. Legal experts suggest that the accused may face serious charges, including extortion and criminal intimidation.

Increased Vigilance on Extortion Attempts Against Celebrities

This incident has once again brought to light the increasing instances of threats against celebrities in India. Law enforcement agencies are urging public figures to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police immediately. Authorities are also working on strengthening their tracking systems to ensure quicker action in such cases.

Mumbai Police Coordination with Local Law Enforcement

The successful apprehension of Sheikh Hossain showcases effective coordination between the Mumbai Police and local law enforcement units. Upon tracing the suspect’s location, officers from Maharashtra coordinated with the Jamshedpur Police, who promptly acted on the information and secured the arrest. The police will now work together to transfer Hossain to Mumbai for further investigation and legal proceedings.

As the investigation unfolds, the authorities are also looking into the possibility of other accomplices or whether Hossain acted independently. The case serves as a stern reminder of the legal consequences associated with such criminal acts, reinforcing that extortion, especially targeting high-profile individuals, will not be tolerated.