Surat Police Book 4 in Extortion Case Over Rs 15 Lakh Demand From Builder

Surat: History-sheeter Sagar Sonawane, alias Maniyo Dukkar, and three unidentified men allegedly threatened and assaulted a property dealer and demanded Rs 15 lakh to allow construction work to continue in Limbayat.

According to the complaint, the incident took place on August 18 at Dwarkeshnagar Society, where the complainant, Rajesh Chaurasiya, was constructing flats. Chaurasiya told police that four men first arrived at the site around 11am, abused workers and threatened to kill them if the owner was not called. When they returned around 12.30pm, Chaurasiya identified Sonawane.

Sonawane allegedly demanded Rs 15 lakh and said construction could continue only after the payment. When Chaurasiya refused, the accused allegedly assaulted him and threatened him with a knife.

Fearing for his safety, Chaurasiya handed over Rs 10,000. The accused allegedly asked him to arrange the remaining amount and provided a mobile number for the payment before fleeing the spot.

Chaurasiya initially avoided approaching the police, fearing harassment of his workers and contractors. He later filed a complaint after learning through social media that Sonawane had been arrested in connection with the murder of BJP leader Jay Dalal.

Limbayat police have registered a case against Sonawane and the three unidentified men for alleged extortion, assault and threats.

Police said Sonawane has more than 14 serious offences, including murder, against him. He has previously been externed from Surat and detained under PASA. DeshGujarat