Surat: An assistant engineer of the Surat Municipal Corporation and her self-styled journalist husband have been booked for allegedly extorting ₹2.5 lakh from a builder.

The complainant, Anisul Hasan Hakim, a builder residing at Hakim Manzil near Kazi’s Ground in Gopipura, had purchased a dilapidated property in Sagrampura in 2021 and was preparing to redevelop it. During this period, Mohammad Shakib Jariwala approached him, introduced himself as a journalist, and claimed that the construction was illegal. He allegedly threatened demolition, stating that his wife, Rubina, worked with senior officials in the municipal corporation.

Shakib later arranged a meeting with Rubina, who allegedly demanded ₹2.5 lakh to secure approval of the building plan. Hakim paid the amount in instalments. When further money was demanded, he eventually lodged a complaint at Athwalines Police Station.

It is learnt that two previous complaints had already been registered against the couple for allegedly threatening builders by declaring constructions illegal and warning of demolition.

Even after receiving ₹2.5 lakh, Shakib allegedly demanded an additional ₹1 lakh from Hakim, claiming it was required for his son’s engagement expenses, and reportedly sent a WhatsApp invitation for the ceremony. When Hakim refused to pay, Shakib is said to have visited the construction site the next day and issued further threats. Police have registered a case of extortion and initiated further investigation. DeshGujarat