Akola Extortion Threats: Congress MLA and BJP Leader Targeted by Bishnoi Gang Network
The city of Akola in Maharashtra has been rocked by two consecutive extortion threats that have sent shockwaves through the local political establishment and put law enforcement agencies on high alert. In a concerning development, a Congress MLA and a BJP leader have both been targeted by what police believe is the same criminal network associated with the notorious Bishnoi gang.
Congress MLA Faces Rs10 Crore Demand
Congress MLA from Akola West, Sajid Khan Pathan, allegedly received a threatening phone call demanding a staggering Rs10 crore. According to police sources, the call came through on February 17 at approximately 3 PM, with the caller issuing a chilling ultimatum: pay the amount within two days or face severe consequences.
Following this alarming threat, authorities have significantly enhanced Pathan's security detail. Four armed police personnel have been deployed for his protection, and the MLA has formally lodged a complaint with Akola Superintendent of Police Archit Chandak and other senior officers.
Investigators have traced the origin of this threatening call to California, United States, adding an international dimension to the case.
BJP Leader Targeted Through Signal App
In a separate but related incident, BJP city president Harish Tawari from Akot allegedly received an extortion threat through the encrypted Signal messaging application. The message, received on February 12, demanded Rs2 crore and instructed Tawari to collect the amount from Akot BJP MLA Prakash Bharsakale.
Based on Tawari's formal complaint, a case has been registered with the cyber police station in Akola. Investigators are treating this digital threat with utmost seriousness and have launched a comprehensive probe into the matter.
The Bishnoi Gang Connection
Police have identified Shubham Lonkar, a native of Nevri Budruk village in Akot taluka of Akola district, as a key figure in both extortion attempts. Lonkar is believed to be an associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his younger brother Anmol Bishnoi.
What makes this situation particularly alarming for law enforcement is that both a prominent BJP office-bearer and a sitting Congress MLA have been targeted by what appears to be the same criminal network. This cross-political targeting has raised serious concerns within the Akola police establishment about the reach and audacity of these criminal elements.
Who is Shubham Lonkar?
According to police records, Shubham Lonkar has a significant criminal history:
- He previously claimed responsibility for the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique
- He later claimed involvement in the firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence
- Akola police previously arrested Lonkar and seized three pistols along with live cartridges from his possession
- Investigators believe he operated as a key figure in a weapons-trafficking racket
- In connection with the same case, Akot police arrested three individuals who allegedly procured firearms through Lonkar
Lonkar had been living in Pune's Warje area before going absconding. He was subsequently arrested from Pune and later released on bail. Police claim to possess call recordings of conversations between Lonkar and Lawrence Bishnoi, suggesting a direct connection to the notorious gangster.
Investigators further believe that Lonkar's criminal network extends internationally, with connections to Dubai and other global criminal elements. His house in Nevri Budruk village has remained locked for several days, adding to the mystery surrounding his current whereabouts and activities.
The Akola police are now conducting parallel investigations into both extortion cases while working to dismantle what appears to be a sophisticated criminal operation with both local and international connections. The targeting of elected representatives from different political parties represents a significant escalation in criminal activity that authorities are determined to address with maximum urgency.
