Mumbai: The Mumbai Crime Branch has invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against 14 arrested accused and one wanted fugitive, Pakistan-based Anwar Sheikh alias Anwar Bhai, in the sensational abduction and extortion case of notorious drug trafficker Sajid Electricwala.
Investigations revealed that the case involves a well-organised gang with deep underworld connections.
Details of Arrests
Among those arrested are Arman Mohammed Nasir Khan (33), nabbed by Unit 3 from Oberoi Mall, Goregaon, Nirav Solanki (54), arrested in Gujarat
Other accused include Mehtab Ali, Santosh Waghmare, Rahul Sawant, Satish Kadu, Yunus Tevarpilli, Taufis Saindh, Sarvar Khan, Jitendra Mangalsingh Thakur alias Akbar Batla, Vijay Krishna Kale alias Saddam (34), Hussain Abdul Farid Khan, Deepak Nandkishor Sharma (32), and Nitin Rokde.
One prime accused, Shahid, believed to be a close aide of underworld don Chhota Shakeel, remains at large and is suspected to be in Dubai.
Fugitive Anwar Bhai
The most high-profile fugitive in the case, Anwar Bhai, is the brother of underworld don Chhota Shakeel. A Pakistan-based gangster, Anwar fled India in 1984 and is wanted in multiple serious crimes, including murder and extortion.
Legal Action and Custody
Crime Branch officials stated that invoking MCOCA will aid in dismantling the syndicate’s network, freezing its assets, and strengthening the legal case.
All 14 arrested accused have been sent to Judicial Custody. Following the application of MCOCA, Unit 3 has taken seven of the accused into Police Custody until August 20, according to sources.
