Maharashtra: MNS leader Sandeep Thakur arrested in extortion case

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A Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Thakur along with two others have been arrested for allegedly extorting money from a stamp vendor.

The case against MNS' Raigad vice-president Sandeep Thakur, and his associates Shalom Penkar and Rafik Tadvi was registered on the complaint of Tabib Khot, who sells stamps on the premises of tehsil office in Maharashtra's Pen.

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Khot stated that the demand for stamp papers goes up in June and July as many students require them for various certificates. "Thakur first organised a demonstration at the Pen tehsil office to put pressure on him. He then threatened Khot with a knife during a meeting between the two and demanded nearly Rs 3.5 lakh," said a statement by the Raigad police.

Sandeep Thakur also allegedly told Khot that he would get the latter's licence revoked as a stamp vendor.

"Khot paid rupees two lakh to Thakur before approaching cops, which laid a trap," the police said.

"Thakur was arrested while accepting the remaining money on July 11," said the police.

A local court has remanded Thakur and two others in police custody till July 14.

(with inputs from agencies)