Ulhasnagar councillor booked for extortion

Former deputy mayor and councillor of Ulhasnagar Congress Party Jaya Sadhwani has been booked for extorting Rs 50 lakh from a city-based builder. Two Ulhasnagar municipal officials have also been booked for the same offence.

Jaya Sadhwani, Councillor of Ulhasnagar

According to police, builder Manoj Jagwani received several calls from Sadhwani since January 3, threatening him of demolishing his constructions and booking him under Maharashtra Regional Town planning (MRTP) Act. On several occasions, all three accused met Jagwani and once a meeting was held at Sadhwani's residence as well.

Harassed by the trio, Jagwani approached the Hill Line police to register an FIR, only to be sent back after being told that the accused were very powerful. Appalled, Jagwani approached the Metropolitan Court, Ulhasnagar, which ordered the police to book the accused. On Wednesday, the police registered a Magistrate Enquiry Crime Register (MECR) against the trio.

"On the instruction of the court, we have booked Jaya Sadhwani and two others under sections 385, 389 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. Matter is under investigation and if the accused are found guilty, they will be arrested," said Somdutt Khandare, assistant police inspector, Hill Line police station.

The other side
"On the instruction of the court, the police is investigating the matter," said Sadhwani.u00a0