Maharashtra MLA’s office-bearer arrested for accepting ₹2 lakh as bribe

Sunil Laxman Shirishkumar, the accused, used to threaten Dr Anudurg Dhoni that his hospital would be demolished over some legalities if he did not pay him money

A 35-year-old office bearer of Achalpur MLA Bacchu Kadu was arrested by the Thane anti-extortion cell for accepting a bribe of ₹2 lakh from a city-based doctor.

According to police, Sunil Laxman Shirishkumar, the accused, used to constantly threaten the doctor Anudurg Dhoni, 38, who lives in Kalyan, saying the latter’s hospital would be demolished over some legalities.

Shirishkumar, who lives in Navi Mumbai, demanded ₹10 lakh from Dhoni earlier this year and in March had accepted ₹40,000 as donation for a religious function.

Shirishkumar, after getting caught, was removed from his post in the MLA’s office, according to the police.

Senior police inspector Pradeep Sharma from Thane anti-extortion cell, said, “Shirishkumar had met Dhoni a few months back and had threatened to demolish his private hospital. He would frequently call him and verbally abuse him as well.”

It was found that Shirishkumar had shot videos of Dhoni’s hospital, sending them to the latter’s phone and threatening he would forward a complaint to the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC).

“Shirishkumar told Dhoni that if he was not able to pay ₹3.5 lakh in one go, then he would have to pay him ₹50,000 per month. He also said he would kill Dhoni if he didn’t stick to these conditions,” said Sharma.

On Wednesday, Dhoni approached the anti-extortion cell for help, following which the police laid a trap outside Kalyan station. Shrishkumar was caught accepting ₹2 lakh and a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code was registered with the Mahatma Phule police station.