Extortion gang targeting Charminar vendors busted, key accused arrested

Hyderabad police arrest key member of extortion gang targeting Charminar vendors, ensuring protection for local traders.

The Hyderabad police arrested another accused in an organised extortion racket that targeted pushcart vendors operating around the busy Charminar area, forcing them to pay daily “mamool” to continue their trade.

The arrested man, identified as Azhar Khan, 44, was apprehended on March 24 near a sugarcane juice stall close to Charminar following a complaint from a cosmetic pushcart vendor. According to police, the vendor alleged that he was being threatened and coerced into paying money on a daily basis to avoid harassment and disruption to his business.

Investigators said the accused was part of an organised network led by a rowdy-sheeter, Shaik Naseeruddin, also known as Ganna Naseer, along with another associate, Md Azaan Quadri alias Toufeeq. During questioning, Azhar Khan confessed that the group had been systematically collecting illegal payments from vendors in the Charminar vicinity.

Police said the gang initially demanded ₹500 per day from each vendor but later increased the amount to ₹1,000, using intimidation to enforce compliance. Vendors who resisted were allegedly threatened with dire consequences, including being driven out of their business locations. Officers added that the accused would brandish knives to instil fear among the victims.

Officials noted that Naseeruddin has a long criminal history and is involved in multiple cases, including those related to narcotics, illegal arms, gambling, extortion and even attempted murder. His associate Quadri had already been arrested earlier this month in connection with related offences. Following his arrest, Azhar Khan was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

Police have urged street vendors and local residents in the Charminar area not to give in to extortion demands and to report any such incidents immediately. Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in exploiting small traders in the city’s historic commercial hub.