A Malad East-based gas agency owner was allegedly extorted of nearly Rs 99 lakh over more than a year by a gang that impersonated senior Mumbai Police officers, police said. The Dindoshi police station has arrested a 39-year-old accused, who is part of the gang, and is investigating the full extent of the racket.

According to the police, the case began in September 2024 when the complainant was approached by a man identified as Pravin Khedekar, who had been collecting subscriptions for a Ganpati festival group known to the victim. The man sought financial help, citing personal difficulties, and the complainant initially transferred small amounts via Google Pay and PhonePe.