Mumbai: Crime branch gets more time to quiz liaison in extortion case

Hiren Bhagat has properties across India and in Dubai. File pic

Hiren Bhagat alias Romoi Bhagat, who has links with bureaucrats and politicians, was presented before the Killa court on Tuesday, where his crime branch custody was extended till February 12 for further investigation. The crime branch unit 9 team, led by Senior Police Inspector Daya Nayak, informed the court that during the arrest and subsequent search, CCTV footage of Bhagat's residential premises revealed that the house help had left with six large suitcases, which were later traced. Upon opening the bags, the officers discovered foreign weapons, 150 live bullets, jewellery, Indian and foreign currency, bank locker keys, and luxury watches.

Additionally, one travel bag contained documents related to major corporate companies, including confidential papers, complaints, copies of FIRs, and agreements. The crime branch also seized cash and jewellery worth crores, and documents related to flat purchases in Dubai worth Rs 13 crore. These findings were detailed in its remand application.

The cops have also informed the court that Bhagat had been purchasing various properties and they are probing if there is a link with the extortion racket. "It appears that the gang was threatening various businessmen across India and extorting huge amounts to shield them from actions by the authorities," the crime branch stated. The crime branch also found complaint letters sent to the Enforcement Directorate and the Mumbai Economic Offences Wing in possession of the accused.

Officials stated that Bhagat and the gang were using various third-party apps to coordinate with associates. They also found a radio frequency detector and walkie-talkie with the accused, along with laptops and iPads. According to the crime branch, a significant amount of foreign currency was discovered during the investigation, indicating that the accused was operating an extortion racket on an international scale.

Additionally, during the search of a locker under the name of Bhagat's sister, jewellery and cash amounting to more than R13 crore were found. The crime branch also stated before the court that Bhagat had acquired various properties across India, necessitating further investigation. Furthermore, the crime branch said it recovered an extortion note demanding R164 crore from the complainant in the case, of which only Rs 25 lakh was paid, and Rs 8 lakh has been recovered by the crime branch so far.

150
No of live bullets seized