The business of extortion has reared its head once again in the city but with a technological update. Culprits are now using social media to execute coordinated smear campaigns against soft targets. A 38-year-old businessman is the latest victim of the trend where the accused first troll their target on social media to instill fear then demand money to settle the matter.

Businessman Kanaram Patel, who runs an imitation jewellery shop, Riddhi Art Jewellery, at Hill Road in Bandra West has accused three men, Arbaaz Sayyed, Lokesh Rane, and Pradeep Yadav, of extortion. Senior Inspector at Bandra police station Vijaylaxmi Hiremath said the trio has secured anticipatory bail. "Sayyed photographed my shop and on September 21, posted a picture on Twitter alleging that I encroached on the footpath in front of my shop and BMC officials are not taking action against me," Patel told mid-day.