MUMBAI: A developer who has been receiving death threats and extortion demands in the name of gangster Chhota Shakeel got another message on Friday where a handwritten note and a live cartridge were left on his car at Versova. The note in Hindi, signed in the name of Chhota Shakeel, warned the next bullet would be fired at his chest if he failed to comply.The developer has also claimed that the threats are linked to a 12-acre redevelopment project in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) area where construction work is currently underway. He has been receiving threats asking him to pay Rs 50 crore as extortion.
The Versova police and the anti-extortion cell (AEC) of the city crime branch that has been looking into his earlier complaint, are investigating the fresh threat. Friday’s threat assumes significance as it was made immediately after his police protection was withdrawn following an assessment by the police.
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In the fresh incident, the developer alleged while visiting a project site at Model Town in Andheri West, a note with a live cartridge wrapped inside a chit was found hanging near the rear number plate of his car. The caller has been issuing threats in the name of gangster Chhota Shakeel which is unheard of in recent times, police said. Crime branch officials suspect someone is trying to scare the victim in the name of Shakeel.In a detailed representation addressed to the commissioner of police, the developer has alleged that in Feb 2024 after he received the first threat message, he was granted paid police protection. The protection was granted after a case was registered by the AEC.According to the victim, the protection was discontinued last year, after which he allegedly began receiving fresh threats from international numbers claiming to be associates of Chhota Shakeel. The caller allegedly demanded Rs 50 crore, warning that he and his family would be killed if the amount was not paid.The complainant said he received threatening calls and messages on Dec 27, 2025. On Jan 22, 2026, the caller demanded that he travel to Dubai and pay the extortion amount.Despite the repeated complaints, he alleged that no arrests have been made. An officer has denied that this threat is from Shakeel and said they would soon arrest the culprits behind the threats.
