Cable operator plaint against extortion

A Surat-based cable operator has lodged a police complaint against a former partner, and nine others, accusing them of extortion threat.

According to the police, Shirishchandra Modi, the managing director of Devraj Cable Network, has accused his former partner Mansukh Harji Patel (Dharukawala) of threatening him with the intention of taking over the cable business.

Talking to Business Standard, Modi said, "Mansukh Patel was connected with Devraj Cable, but parted ways some months back. He wants to take over my entire cable business, for which he has also hired some notorious antisocial elements."

"Patel, along with the hired goons, has been frequently visiting Devraj Cable's office at Anand Mahal road since some weeks. The accused have been threatening me of dire consequences, if I do not vacate the office, and hand over the cable business to them," Modi claimed.

Modi has also accused Patel of extortion.

"Patel has also demanded Rs 20 lakh from me, and has threatened to kill me and my partners if the money is not paid. He has also demanded monthly Rs 1 lakh from me to allow me to continue the cable business," Modi said.