Four persons were today arrested for allegedly blackmailing a goldsmith here and extorting money of Rs 21 lakh in instalments on different occasions.
Police said the four used to blackmail him, threatening to reveal that he was dismissed earlier from a shop for allegedly stealing and also threatening to kidnap his son.
Under pressure to meet their demands, the man recently even went to the extent of pledging his house to his friend for Rs 14 lakh. When the friend questioned him, he narrated his plight following which the former advised him to lodge a complaint with police.
Police arrested the four and recovered Rs 10.23 lakh besides ornaments weighing 3.5 sovereigns, two cars and a motorcycle, all bought with the money extorted from the goldsmith.
A case has been registered under IPC sections including 392 (punishment for robbery) R/W 397 (robbery or dacoity with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt).
