Home / Crime and Justice / Mumbai gang busted extorting millions in protection money
Mumbai gang busted extorting millions in protection money
4 Sep
Summary
- Seven members of the Kanna gang arrested under MCOCA.
- Gang posed as Mathadi workers, extorted millions monthly.
- Victims feared reprisal and reluctant to report intimidation.
Authorities have arrested seven alleged members of the Kanna gang, invoking the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against them. The gang is accused of extorting protection money, potentially amounting to several crore rupees monthly, by impersonating a Mathadi workers' union and terrorizing companies and developers in Mumbai's Andheri and surrounding suburbs.
The arrests followed a brutal assault on a registered Mathadi worker, Nadeem Shaikh, on August 16. He was allegedly attacked with bamboo and wooden sticks for refusing to pay Rs 20,000 per month to work at a site, resulting in a fractured knee, kidney damage, and severe head injuries. Shaikh was hospitalized for treatment.
Investigators stated that the gang targeted approximately 1,000 companies in MIDC areas, demanding between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 5 lakh each. Developers were allegedly asked to pay substantial amounts based on project size. The gang's alleged leaders, the Kanna brothers, are currently absconding. Police recovered a car and gold jewelry believed to be purchased with extorted funds.
While the Kanna brothers controlled the extortion network for about a decade, the arrested individuals formed the operational layer, carrying out attacks and intimidation. These accused face over 24 previous cases, including attempted murder and extortion. Despite the alleged widespread intimidation, victims have been reluctant to file official complaints due to fear of repercussions.
