Mumbai Developer Targeted with Live Cartridge in Fresh Extortion Threat
A real estate developer in Mumbai, who has been receiving persistent death threats and extortion demands allegedly in the name of notorious gangster Chhota Shakeel, was confronted with a chilling new warning on Friday. A handwritten note accompanied by a live cartridge was discovered on his car in the Versova area, escalating the ongoing intimidation campaign.
Direct Threat to Life
The note, written in Hindi and signed in the name of Chhota Shakeel, contained a stark warning: the next bullet would be aimed directly at the developer's chest if he failed to comply with the demands. This incident occurred shortly after his police protection was withdrawn following a security assessment by authorities, adding to the gravity of the situation.
According to the developer's complaint, while visiting a project site at Model Town in Andheri West, he found the threatening note with the live cartridge wrapped inside a small chit, hanging near the rear license plate of his vehicle.
Connection to Major Redevelopment Project
The developer has asserted that these threats are directly linked to a significant 12-acre redevelopment project currently underway in the prestigious Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) area. The extortionists have been demanding a staggering Rs 50 crore, threatening severe consequences if the amount is not paid.
In a detailed representation to the Commissioner of Police, the victim outlined that after receiving the initial threat message in February 2024, he was granted paid police protection. This protection followed the registration of a case by the Anti-Extortion Cell (AEC) of the city crime branch.
Police Investigation and Suspicions
The Versova police and the AEC, who have been investigating the developer's earlier complaints, are now examining this fresh threat. Crime branch officials have expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the threats, suspecting that someone might be attempting to scare the victim by misusing Chhota Shakeel's name, a tactic that has been uncommon in recent times.
An officer involved in the case denied that the threat genuinely originated from Shakeel, assuring that efforts are underway to identify and arrest the actual culprits behind these intimidation attempts.
Pattern of Escalating Threats
The developer reported that after his police protection was discontinued last year, he began receiving fresh threats from international numbers, with callers claiming to be associates of Chhota Shakeel. These communications included explicit demands for the Rs 50 crore ransom, accompanied by warnings that he and his family would be killed if the payment was not made.
- On December 27, 2025, the developer received threatening calls and messages.
- On January 22, 2026, the caller escalated demands, instructing him to travel to Dubai to deliver the extortion money.
Despite multiple complaints filed by the developer, he alleges that no arrests have been made in connection with these serious threats, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of the ongoing investigation.
The case underscores the persistent challenges faced by business professionals in Mumbai from organized crime elements, even as authorities work to dismantle such networks. The use of a live cartridge in this latest threat represents a dangerous escalation in tactics aimed at coercing compliance through fear.
