Citizens, environmentalists demand action on foul air

People's Union of Civil Liberties organises meet to call for immediate action for better air

- Sabah Virani

A special MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) court has denied the bail plea of Dipak Lodhiya, a member of the notorious Guru Satam gang, for allegedly extorting money from a real estate developer in Parel. Lodhiya was arrested in 2018 alongside Rajesh Ambre alias Shankar Vichare, Vikram Dhotre, and Bharat Solanki alias Anwar.

A complaint filed by the developer alleged that he had been targeted since 2014, when he started a development project. Over the years, the developer reportedly paid ₹60 lakh as extortion money after receiving threats from Guru Satam's gang members, who claimed the developer was under Satam's control. Complying initially, the developer made payments in 2018, but faced financial difficulties and further threats.

In 2018, the builder received threatening calls and messages, allegedly from Satam's associates, demanding money. Fearing for his safety, the developer and his business partner filed a complaint with the Anti-Extortion Cell, leading to the arrest of Lodhiya and four others. The police invoked MCOCA, citing the organised criminal activities.

Lodhiya's lawyer argued for bail, stating that he had already served six years in jail and was the sole earning member of his family, with a wife suffering from diabetes. However, special judge B.D. Shelke denied bail, highlighting the severity of the offence and the stringent provisions of MCOCA. There was no change in circumstances, the judge observed.

The gang, led by notorious criminal Guru Satam, is accused of extortion and murder.