Three held for extortion using illegal firearm to threaten investors in Hyderabad

Three arrested in Hyderabad for extorting investors using an illegal firearm during a police operation.

Three persons using an illegal firearm to threaten investors and extort money in Hyderabad were arrested during a joint operation by the Commissioner’s Task Force, Golconda Zone and the Masab Tank police on Tuesday (March 17).

The accused have been identified as Mohd Afroz Baig alias Shakeel (46), a real estate businessman; Teljeri Balakishan alias Balraj (30); and Bittu Kumar alias Raju (30). Police said the trio were involved in creating fear among investors and individuals demanding repayment of money.

During the operation, officials seized a country-made pistol along with 18 live rounds, two magazines, a Maruti Brezza car, six mobile phones and a wooden hockey stick from their possession.

According to the police, Afroz Baig, proprietor of a real estate firm in Banjara Hills conspired with Balakishan, who worked for him, to procure an illegal firearm to intimidate investors and creditors. Balakishan, in turn, contacted Bittu Kumar, who arranged the weapon and ammunition from a supplier in Bihar.

Investigators said the accused used the firearm to threaten persons seeking repayment of money, thereby instilling fear and carrying out acts amounting to extortion.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Masab Tank police station. Further investigation is under way.