Once again, the goondaism in the Vasai Virar region has reared its ugly head, with Nalasopara police arresting the nephew of Bhai Thakur for allegedly demanding Rs5 lakh as 'hafta' from a chemist.
Dipankar Patil alias Bobby dada, is a resident of Virar and involved in the construction field. He is the nephew of Jayendra Thakur alias Bhai Thakur, and relative of Vasai MLA Hitendra Thakur.
Patil is the chairman of a newly formed chemist association in the region. The complainant, 30-year-old Anees Shaikh heads a rival association.
Shaikh alleged that Patil's accomplice Vijay Dachpute ordered him to do whatever Bobby Dada says, and demanded that Shaikh pay Rs5 lakh as hafta. Dachpute warned of dire consequences if Shaikh didn't comply.
The complainant added: “We were receiving several threats but made it clear that we did not want to join their association. Still, his accomplice reached my office and threatened to kill me if I did not 'fall in line', and even demanded hafta from me.” Shaikh added that he approached the police after Bobby dada threatened to 'finish' him off.
Ravindra Badgujar, senior inspector, Nalasopara police said that the duo was produced in court, adding: “We have CCTV footage of the office and are investigating further.”
Patil was released on bail while Dachpute was sent to Thane jail after he failed to provide adequate documents required for bail.
VIP Treatment for accused in court lock up
Supporters of Patil gathered in large numbers outside the court, as additional police force was brought in to manage the crowd. Meanwhile, Patil was allegedly given VIP treatment inside the court lock up, including being given cold drinks and tea, until he was released on bail. A Nalasopara police officer clarified: “The accused's blood pressure is low, so to balance the sugar intake, we provided him with tea so that his health doesn't deteriorate.”
