Gangster arrested for extortion

Akil Lakdawala, brother of fugitive gangster Ejaz Lakdawala, has been arrested for allegedly trying to extort money from a builder here, a senior police official said Friday.

Ejaz Lakdawala had been calling several builders in the western suburbs since December and demanding 'protection money', he said.

On February 26, a builder approached the anti-extortion cell of Mumbai Police and lodged a complaint against the gangster.

Ejaz had threatened him over phone and demanded Rs 50 lakh, the builder told the police.

Probe revealed that Akil was also involved in the extortion racket, and following a tip-off, he was nabbed from Mira Road area on the outskirts of Mumbai Thursday, the officer said.

Akil had a similar case registered against him in the past and was on bail.

He was booked under IPC section 386 (extortion) and 120 (criminal conspiracy) and produced before a court which remanded him in police custody till March 8.