Real Estate Developer and 50 Others Booked for Breaking into Businessman's Office in Mumbai

Mumbai, May 18 (PTI) A real estate developer and 50 others have been booked for allegedly breaking into the office of a businessman in Mahim, Mumbai, and demanding money from him, a police official said on Sunday.

The incident occurred in February this year, but the FIR was registered only recently after an initial probe, which included reviewing CCTV footage, the Mahim police station official stated.

On the complaint of businessman Tarik Chunawala, owner of Hotel Al-Lazeez and Bright Guest House near Mahim Dargah, the police have booked builder Waseem Khandwani and 50 others. Chunawala, in his complaint, alleged that the accused barged into his office, stole valuables worth Rs 61.68 lakh, and also demanded Rs 10 lakh, the official added.

The accused have been charged under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for house trespass, house breaking, extortion, voluntarily causing hurt, unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, and other offenses. The police are now working to locate and arrest the accused.

Tarik Chunawala, the complainant, is a well-known businessman in the area, owning several successful businesses in the hospitality sector. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of business premises in the Mahim area, prompting local authorities to enhance security measures.

The police are also investigating the motives behind the alleged robbery and extortion. They are interviewing witnesses and analyzing additional evidence to build a strong case against the accused. The community is hopeful that the perpetrators will be brought to justice swiftly.

The incident has also highlighted the need for better security protocols in commercial areas, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Business owners are being advised to install advanced security systems and to report any suspicious activities immediately to the authorities.