Extortion calls from ‘Hemant Pujari’ trigger police probe in Karnataka and Mumbai

Mumbai: A series of extortion threats made to businessmen and hoteliers in coastal Karnataka and Mumbai by callers claiming to be former Chhota Rajan aide Hemant Pujari has kicked off a probe by the police in both states.

Police here said they were in the process of verifying if the calls were made by the fugitive gangster or are the work of imposters using his name.

Sources said several businessmen and hotel owners in Udupi and neighbouring areas had recently reported receiving threatening calls from unknown numbers demanding money. Similar information also surfaced in Mumbai, where some hoteliers allegedly received extortion threats from callers identifying themselves as Pujari.

The development comes amid the ongoing investigation into the murder of former Mudarangadi gram panchayat president and contractor David D’Souza, who was shot dead in Udupi district on August 7 while attempting to board his jeep outside his office, Prince Enterprises, near St Francis Xavier Church.

During the probe, the Karnataka police arrested seven persons, including Pujari’s younger brother Kishore Pujari. Police claim that Kishore allegedly harboured a grudge against D’Souza over disputes related to local pipeline and road construction contracts. Police have seized mobile phones, cash and a motorcycle during the investigation.