Surat Police arrests woman, lawyer at VR Mall for alleged extortion

Surat: Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) has arrested 28-year-old Hetal Baraiya and her lawyer, Abhishek Shethiya, from VR Mall for allegedly extorting Rs 20 lakh from a 54-year-old trader.

Baraiya, reportedly in a relationship with the trader since 2022, allegedly recorded a nude video of him and demanded Rs 50 lakh to keep it private. When the victim refused, she filed a complaint against him at the Mahila police station. Shethiya allegedly threatened the trader, claiming he could prevent FIRs for rape and atrocities if paid. A compromise deal of Rs 42.5 lakh was reportedly agreed upon.

Acting on a tip-off, DCP (Crime) Bhavesh Rojiya’s team laid a trap at the mall. Posing as customers, officers caught the duo while collecting cash and seized letter pads promising to withdraw cases once payment was made.

Baraiya admitted contacting Shethiya via intermediaries Suresh Jain (alias Jayesh Prajapati) and Ashok, who are now wanted. Umra police have registered an FIR under BNS Sections 308(6) and 54 for extortion through threats of false accusations. DeshGujarat