Mumbai Police Register Case Against Fraudsters Impersonating Assembly Speaker’s Associates in Extortion Attempt
Mumbai, 4th February 2024: The Mumbai Police have registered a case against two individuals involved in falsely claiming association with assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar and attempting extortion. The incident unfolded when the accused, identified as Jayesh Jadhav, approached a travel agency posing as representatives of Narwekar and demanded money. Jadhav has been apprehended, while efforts are ongoing to locate his accomplice, considered the primary instigator of the extortion attempt.
The fraudulent activity came to light when the accused visited the office of Nandita Bedi, proprietor of a tour and travel agency in Churchgate. Bedi is responsible for organizing the upcoming trip of MLAs to South Africa on February 5. Posing as associates of Narwekar, the fraudsters demanded money from Bedi, asserting they had come from his office.
The situation took a surprising turn when Bedi coincidentally was present at Narwekar’s office in Cuffe-Parade, discussing the legislators’ South Africa trip. Bedi’s office staff, Shreyas, informed her about the attempted extortion by two men posing as Narwekar’s representatives. They handed Shreyas a phone, claiming to be in contact with Narwekar, and demanded payment. Bedi, being at Narwekar’s office, advised Shreyas not to pay, prompting the fraudsters to leave.
Undeterred, they returned, insisting that Narwekar was still on call, pressuring Shreyas to pay. Clarifying that Bedi was in Narwekar’s office, Shreyas thwarted the attempt once again. The perpetrators, after issuing threats, departed the scene.
Shivansh Singh, Rahul Narwekar’s assistant, reported the incident to the police, leading to the registration of a case. The accused have been charged under sections 34 (common intention), 385 (extortion), and 417 (personation) of the Indian Penal Code. Jayesh Jadhav has been arrested, emphasizing law enforcement’s commitment to ensuring accountability in cases of impersonation and extortion.
