Pune: Notorious Criminal Arrested for Demanding Hafta from Chakan Businessman
Chakan, 18th October 2024: The police commissioner of Pimpri-Chinchwad held a meeting in Chakan MIDC a week ago, warning that strict action would be taken against local goons causing unnecessary trouble for company management. In this context, it has come to light that a criminal, prosecuted under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), demanded an extortion payment of ₹1.10 lakh per month (hafta) from a businessman.
The accused has been identified as Pradeep alias Gotya Padwal (31), a resident of Ambethan, taluka Khed. A complaint was filed by Amol Damodar Shedge (35), a resident of Kalawadi, taluka Khed, at the Mahalunge MIDC Police Station.
Shedge, an entrepreneur with a business in the Chakan MIDC area, reported that the accused threatened him, demanding money. He stated that if he wanted to continue his business in the area, he needed to pay a certain amount each month, or he would face death threats.
Padwal is a notorious criminal with serious offenses, including robbery, attempted murder, and theft, registered against him. Action has already been taken under MCOCA. On Wednesday (16th October), Padwal reportedly abused and threatened Shedge and his brother over the phone, insisting that he pay ₹1.10 lakh monthly as an installment for his business in Chakan MIDC, threatening to kill him if his demands were not met.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey held a meeting with company managers at Chakan MIDC on 8th October, stating that the administration aims to maintain the factories in MIDC. He emphasized the priority of making the area fear-free and assured that strict action would be taken against local hooligans, trade unions, or head workers disturbing company management unnecessarily. Choubey urged company management and entrepreneurs to come forward with complaints, noting that this incident was reported only eight days after his meeting.
