Woman Arrested for Extorting Rs 1.10 Lakh with False Promise
In a disturbing turn of events, Ganeshpeth police have apprehended a woman accused of extorting Rs 1.10 lakh from another woman under the guise of securing the release of her husband from police custody.
The accused, identified as Renuka Amit Tiwari (30) and a resident of plot no. 101, Temple Bazar Road, Sitabuldi, allegedly targeted Neha Joshi (38), whose husband, Jai Joshi, was detained at the Ganeshpeth police station. Jai Joshi was arrested in connection with a case under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act and was held in custody from May 4 to May 7.
Renuka initiated contact with Neha via her daughter's cell phone, presenting herself as a social worker affiliated with an NGO. To gain Neha's trust, Renuka claimed to be the sister of a friend of Neha's husband, asserting that she had connections with police officials. She assured Neha that she could facilitate her husband's release from custody, provided Neha paid Rs 1.10 lakh in cash.
Using intimidation tactics, Renuka warned Neha that she too could face arrest if she did not comply. Fearing repercussions, Neha resorted to mortgaging her ornaments with a jeweller to gather the demanded sum. She handed over the money to Renuka at Model Mill Square.
Under the pretence of negotiating with the authorities, Renuka escorted Neha to the police station and instructed her to wait outside. After a brief interaction inside the station, Renuka informed Neha that a settlement had been reached, and her husband would be released by 6 am. Renuka then departed on her moped, cautioning Neha against contacting her due to purported phone tapping.
However, Neha's husband failed to return home as promised. When attempts to reach Renuka proved futile as her phone was switched off, Neha realized she had fallen victim to a scam and promptly reported the incident to the authorities.
Ganeshpeth police promptly took action, arresting Renuka under sections 384, 385, and 389 of the Indian Penal Code, about extortion and putting a person in fear of injury or accusation to commit extortion. Investigations into the matter are ongoing as authorities work to ensure justice is served.
