Mumbai Crime Branch Transfers Over 15 High-Profile Cases to Other Units

Mumbai, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : In a significant development, the Mumbai Crime Branch has transferred over 15 high-profile cases, along with several older investigations and pending complaints, from its Anti-Extortion Cell to other crime branch units. This decision follows a senior-level review of the cell’s previous investigations and weapon seizures.

A senior police official confirmed that cases involving extortion and fraud have been redistributed among various crime branch units based on their jurisdiction. All necessary notifications and case documents have been handed over to the respective units for further investigation.

Sources within the Mumbai police indicated that the units receiving the most responsibility include Crime Branch Unit 9, Unit 2, and Unit 3. Notably, Unit 9 has been assigned approximately six cases, including the high-profile Bandra redevelopment controversy, where five individuals were arrested for allegedly demanding ₹11 crore in extortion.

Unit 2 has been allocated four cases, while a special team has been deployed to assist Assistant Commissioner of Police Sadasiv Rane. Rane is currently overseeing an investigation related to a firing incident involving actor Tiger Shroff, which falls under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).

Additionally, Unit 3 has been assigned two to three critical cases, with the remaining matters distributed among other crime branch units according to the locations of the alleged crimes.

Among the other significant cases transferred is one involving a businessman from Lower Parel, who was reportedly extorted for ₹1.5 crore. Another case involves a demand for ₹2.5 crore in exchange for withdrawing a criminal complaint. In this latter case, the Anti-Extortion Cell had set a trap, leading to the arrest of the complainant and a lawyer as they allegedly accepted a bribe of ₹45 lakh.

The redistribution of these cases has stirred activity within the police department. However, the police administration has yet to make any official announcement regarding the closure of the Anti-Extortion Cell. All eyes are now on the department’s next steps.