ED begins probe against Iqbal Kaskar and others in extortion case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday began investigation against underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's brother Iqbal Kaskar, his aides Israr Z Saiyyad and Mumtaz A Shaikh and others in connection with extortion and illegal transfer of property case.

Earlier in September 19, the Thane Court had sent Kaskar and two others to police custody for eight days.

Police sought custody of all three accused in involvement of collecting evidence, identification of other co-accused involved, collection of their voice samples, recovery of arms and ammunition.

Iqbal Kaskar was arrested on September 18 on the charges of extortion. The police said that they were investigating whether underworld don Dawood Ibrahim was involved personally in his brother's extortion rackets or not.

Iqbal Kaskar used to issue threats in the name of his brother, Dawood Ibrahim, the police said today.

The police are also investigating if there is involvement of any politicians or corporators in the extortion rackets.

The Thane anti-extortion cell (AEC) apprehended younger brother of wanted criminal Dawood Ibrahim.

According to reports, Iqbal Kaskar was arrested by former encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma following charges of extortion.

Reportedly, Kaskar was nabbed against a complaint given by a builder who was facing extortion threats since 2013.

Besides Kaskar, two others, namely Israr All Jamil Sayyad and Mumtaz Eizaz Shaikh, were also arrested.

The builder was under huge debt post demonetisation and hence, decided to reach out to the police for help.

Reportedly, Kaskar had been threatening builders on behalf of Dawood and was demanding huge extortion money.

The builder was taken into confidence and a complaint of extortion vide under Section 384, 386, 387, 34 was registered at Kasarvadavali Police Station.

Four flats worth Rs. 5 crores in Rosa Bella society and 30 lakhs cash amount were extorted by the gang of lqbal Kaskar from the builder.

The calls for extortion were given to the builder when he purchased a plot in Thane.