The Ravet police in Pune have launched a detailed investigation into a disturbing case of extortion targeting a local family. The incident involves a 54-year-old official from a construction company, his software engineer son based in the United States, and his daughter employed with a private firm in Pune. The perpetrators have demanded sums ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, sending threatening emails and even a bomb-like parcel to the family's residence.
Chronology of Threats and Intimidation
The ordeal began on November 21, when the complainant, his son, and his daughter each received an initial email. This message demanded a payment of $10,000 and warned that failure to comply within 24 hours would escalate the demand to $30,000. Senior Inspector Nitin Phatangare of Ravet police station stated that the family initially dismissed the communication, believing it to be a prank.
The situation took a more sinister turn on December 8. The construction company official received a parcel at his flat, delivered via an autorickshaw hired through an aggregator service. Upon opening it, he found a menacing assembly: two plastic pipes tied to two other plastic pipes along with a battery, deliberately constructed to resemble an explosive device. A letter accompanying the crude device raised the extortion demand to $20,000.
Police Intervention and FIR Registration
Alarmed by the parcel, the complainant immediately alerted the Ravet police. A team promptly arrived at the scene and examined the object. While the initial inspection did not reveal any genuinely hazardous materials, the intent to intimidate was clear. The official refused to accept the parcel, and it was returned to the delivery person. At that juncture, however, he chose not to file a formal police complaint.
The harassment persisted. On Sunday, the family received yet another threatening email. This latest communication contained a demand for $12,000 and explicitly threatened harm to the complainant's family members. It reiterated the ultimatum that non-payment within 24 hours would increase the demanded amount to $20,000. This escalation finally prompted the victim to approach the authorities formally.
Investigation Under New Legal Framework
Based on the complaint, the Ravet police registered a First Information Report (FIR). The case has been booked under Section 308-4 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to extortion by putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt. Assistant Sub-Inspector Sandip Deshmukh is leading the probe into the matter.
Investigators noted a concerning element in the threatening emails. The messages reportedly expressed resentment over native US citizens losing jobs while foreigners, particularly Indians, secure good employment in the United States. This angle is being examined as a possible motive behind targeting the family, given the son's professional presence in the US.
The police are currently pursuing all available digital and physical evidence, including the email trails and details of the parcel delivery. The case highlights a sophisticated attempt at cross-border intimidation targeting a family through multiple channels.
