An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) and a police constable attached to Sir JJ Marg police station have been arrested for allegedly extorting a gems trader on Saturday morning. The police arrested the ASI, Sunil Vartak, 57, and Vijay Gaikwad, 32, soon after the businessman tweeted about the incident. The 40-year-old complainant, a resident of Girgaon, was on his way home from Ichalkaranji  along with his cousin when their cab was halted by police officers at the JJ junction around 8.15 am.

Upon finding valuables in their possession, the accused made the duo step inside a police van and allegedly demanded '50,000 in return for their release. Eventually, they were allowed to go after handing over '10,000. After the complainant took to Twitter to inform the police about the incident, the authorities got in touch with him, promising that stern action would be taken. The complainant was asked to approach the Sir JJ Marg police station where his statement was recorded.