3 held for demanding ransom from Mumbai-based TV producer

Three people have been held by the crime branch for allegedly seeking ransom from a television producer in Mumbai.

The accused have been identified as Rohan Redkar (27), Shashank Verma (33), and Bhupesh Kumar Prasad (36), residents of Malad area in the city.

According to the police, an unidentified person called the said producer and demanded Rs 25 lakh which he declined. The caller gave two days time to the victim to hand over the required amount.

When the victim continued to receive threat calls, he approached Bangur Nahar police station, the police said.

The police had registered a case under sections 385 (putting a person in fear in order to commit extortion), 387 (putting a person in fear of death or of grievous hurt) and 506 (2) of the Indian Penal Code.

The police on Tuesday produced the accused in court, which sent them on remand. Further investigation in the matter is underway.