Andheri East: MCOCA invoked against 11 in alleged extortion case

MIDC police said they have invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against 11 people accused of extracting money from businesses in Andheri East.

The action follows a complaint by Nadim Nasruddin Shaikh, 27, who runs an establishment in the MIDC area. Shaikh alleged that he was assaulted with wooden clubs on August 17. Police initially registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita that they said included attempted culpable homicide, unlawful assembly and criminal intimidation.

Police have arrested seven people in the case, while four remain absconding. They identified Kannan Chinnadurai Vanniyar, also known as Bada Kanna, as the alleged leader of the group.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade alleged that the group operated under the banner of a Mathadi workers’ union and targeted industrialists, developers and traders in Andheri East. Investigators allege that its members stopped company vehicles and demanded “varai”, or protection money, at times using weapons and violence.

Police said the 11 people had previously been booked in cases including attempted murder, extortion and causing grievous hurt. They said MCOCA provisions were added after approval from the competent authority.