Pregnant woman held for extortion attempt

A pregnant woman, claiming to be an LIC officer, was arrested on Monday for allegedly extorting money from a south Mumbai-based businessman.

A pregnant woman, claiming to be an LIC officer, was arrested on Monday for allegedly extorting money from a south Mumbai-based businessman.

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“The woman, a resident of Malad, is six months pregnant. She earns her living by conning people along with her gang. She has named four people who are part of the gang,” said Janardhan Kharat, senior police inspector.

In his police application, the complainant said on March 1, his son received a call from a person named Patil, who claimed to be an I-T commissioner. The caller added he was aware that the complainant owned a flat in Adarsh Housing Society. Patil asked the complainant’s son to pay Rs6 lakh if he did not want to be exposed. The complainant’s son asked Patil to talk to his father. The amount was brought down to Rs 50,000.

Patil said a cheque would be collected by a woman named Meenakshi Shah on Monday from Cuffe Parade. The complainant tipped off the police, who laid a trap and caught the woman.