Mumbai: In a chilling case of cross-border crime, a 34-year-old Mahim-based scrap dealer Meiraj Khan received threats demanding ₹1.8 crore in extortion via WhatsApp calls, voice note and messages allegedly originating from Oman. The Shahunagar Police have registered a case against an unknown person, and both local police and the crime branch are actively investigating the matter.
According to the police complaint, Khan, resides in Evershine Meadows in Mahim East, received the first threat on June 12 at around 4:45 PM. The initial demand was for ₹30 lakh, made through a WhatsApp call. When Khan ignored the call, the extortion demand escalated to ₹50 lakh and eventually to ₹1 crore.
The caller also allegedly issued death threats to Khan’s life and the safety of his family if the money was not paid. The threats didn’t stop at calls. Khan received a series of WhatsApp messages and voice notes reinforcing the demand and warning of dire consequences.
In a final act of intimidation, the caller allegedly warned Khan that he would send photos of contract killers hired to assassinate him, which led Khan to approach the police and file a complaint.
The Shahunagar Police have registered an FIR under Sections 308(5) and 351(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. Investigations are underway to trace the origin of the calls and identify the person behind the threats.
