Businessman slaps extortion charges against 'goon'

Kolkata: A businessman was allegedly threatened by a local goon who recently demanded Rs 2 lakh as extortion money from him.

According to the statement issued by the businessman identified as Tushar Ghosh, he was awarded a contract to paint a high-rise building in Beniapukur. He alleged that a few weeks after the commencement of work, a person identified as Deedar Shaikh demanded Rs 2 lakh as extortion money from him. Ghosh alleged that Shaikh threatened him with dire consequences if he failed to pay the money.

Ghosh said despite he lodged a complaint at the Beniapukur police station in this regard, no case was registered until superior police officers came to know about the incident on Wednesday.

Sources informed on Wednesday a case was finally initiated against the person named in the FIR and a probe was started in this connection.

But, police sources informed that there are some ifs and buts in the case as Shaikh happens to be a sub-contractor of the building.

Cops are trying to know whether Ghosh and Shaikh had any personal enmity.

"I am shocked. Shaikh claimed that he is very much powerful and close to a minister and several political leaders. He threatened to kill me If I do not pay the money as per his demand," said Ghosh.

According to sources, on Wednesday, police called Ghosh at the Beniapukur police station and discussed about his complaint. Ghosh was also assured that necessary steps would be taken.

Though police assured that action will be taken, Ghosh is still living in fear due to the death threat.

Police sources informed that apart from the officers of police station, senior Kolkata Police officials are also probing the matter. Ghosh could be questioned shortly in this regard. Shaikh was not arrested till Wednesday night.