Akola: Two back-to-back extortion threats, allegedly linked to Bishnoi gang, demanding Rs10 crore from Congress’s Akola MLA and Rs2 crore from a BJP leader in Akot have put the law enforcement agencies on alert. Akola West Congress MLA Sajid Khan Pathan allegedly received extortion call demanding ₹10 crore from Bishnoi gang associate Shubham Lonkar, police said. Following the threat, the MLA’s security has been enhanced. The development comes close on the heels of a separate case in which Akot BJP city president Harish Tawari was allegedly threatened through Signal messaging app.According to police, Tawari first received a message on Feb 12 asking him to arrange Rs2 crore by collecting it from Akot BJP MLA Prakash Bharsakale. Based on Tawari’s complaint, a case has been registered with the cyber police station in Akola. Investigators have treated the message as a serious extortion threat and launched a probe.MLA Sajid Khan Pathan allegedly received a phone call demanding ₹10 crore. Police sources said the call was received on Feb 17 at around 3pm, and the caller allegedly warned the MLA to pay the amount within two days or face severe consequences. Investigators have traced the origin of the call to California, US.Following the threat, Pathan’s security has been tightened and four armed police personnel have been deployed for his protection. After the call, the MLA met Akola superintendent of police Archit Chandak and other senior officers and formally lodged a complaint. Police said Lonkar is a native of Nevri Budruk village in Akot taluka of Akola district. The fact that a BJP city office-bearer and a Congress MLA were allegedly targeted by the same network has caused serious concern within the Akola police establishment.Who is Shubham Lonkar?According to police records, Lonkar had earlier claimed responsibility for the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, and later for the firing incident outside the residence of filmmaker Rohit Shetty.Lonkar had earlier been arrested by Akola police, who seized three pistols and live cartridges from his possession. Investigators believe he was in contact with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his younger brother Anmol Bishnoi.Police said Lonkar was a key operator in a weapons-trafficking racket. In the same case, Akot police had also arrested three persons who allegedly procured firearms through him.Investigators further said Lonkar had been living in Pune’s Warje area for some time before going absconding. He was later arrested from Pune and subsequently released on bail.Police also claim to possess call recordings of conversations between Lonkar and Lawrence Bishnoi. Agencies believe Lonkar’s network extends to Dubai and other international criminal links. His house in Nevri Budruk village has remained locked for several days.
