The arrest of a three-member gang had led crime branch officials to believe that the diamond trail they were investigating could lead them to Dawood Ibrahim's right hand man, Chhota Shakeel, and other members of the syndicate.
Crime branch officials were thrust into the centre of criminal investigations when diamond merchant Mahesh Agarwal complained that three men had duped him to the tune of Rs 79.7 lakh. The trio threatened to kill him if he demanded the money.
Investigators suspect Mahesh Agarwal’s may not be an isolated case. They have reason to believe that the trio is involved in a series of similar frauds in recent years and linked to hawala syndicates in Dubai and Mumbai, a senior crime branch officer pointed out.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (crime) Dhananjay Kamlakar told HT that his officers are investigating the possible links with gangster Chhota Shakeel. The month-old investigation led by Senior Inspector Anil Mahabole has resulted in the arrest of three men on Monday. The accused have been identified as Karan Judge (45), N.Sangania (29) and Rajesh Om Agarwal (40).
The story dates back to November 28 last year when Rajesh Agarwal approached diamond dealer Mahesh Agarwal and asked for diamonds worth Rs 20 crore. The suspect said he was a businessman dealing in precious stones and was interested in buying in bulk. But the payment for the first delivery was not made.
{{/usCountry}}The story dates back to November 28 last year when Rajesh Agarwal approached diamond dealer Mahesh Agarwal and asked for diamonds worth Rs 20 crore. The suspect said he was a businessman dealing in precious stones and was interested in buying in bulk. But the payment for the first delivery was not made.
{{/usCountry}}Later, Mahesh was told that the consignment of diamonds worth Rs 79 lakh bought from him was actually meant for gangster Chhota Shakeel. “Forget the money or approach him if you have the guts,” he was warned by Judge.