A redevelopment project in Bandra West turned into a 32‑crore extortion scheme invoking Chhota Rajan’s name. Five suspects were arrested while two remain at large.

  • 32 crore extortion demand on a 50‑year‑old Bandra property.
  • Five accused linked to the Chhota Rajan gang taken into custody.
  • Settlement reached at 11 crore; two suspects still evading police.

Background

The Archdiocese of Bombay tendered the redevelopment of a dilapidated building on Pereira Road, Bandra West. Diljay Properties emerged as the highest bidder and obtained the necessary No‑Objection Certificate from the Charity Commissioner. In 2024, the BMC classified the structure as a C‑1 dangerous building and cut off utilities for safe demolition.

Threats and Extortion

After demolition, family members of illegal occupants Ethel and Daniel Steven repeatedly visited the site, escorted by individuals with alleged criminal backgrounds. The perpetrators claimed ties to Rajvinder Singh, identified with the Chhota Rajan gang, and demanded ₹32 crore, threatening death if work continued.

Read Also:Supreme Court Daily Round-Up: Key Legal Proceedings of September 7, 2026

Settlement and Arrests

On August 24, 2026, a final warning was delivered at Diljay’s Bandra office, leading to a negotiated settlement of ₹11 crore. On September 1, the Anti‑Extortion Cell set a trap and arrested five accused, including a woman, while they attempted to collect an initial ₹25 lakh instalment. NGO owner Clementinus Faro and associate “Tony” remain fugitives.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that legacy gang networks continue to infiltrate urban real‑estate projects, posing significant security and financial risks for developers.

This case underscores the lingering influence of legacy gang networks in urban real‑estate disputes.
Did You Know?: The Bandra property was originally a 1970s church, a fact that complicates its legal ownership history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are all the accused now in custody?

A: Five have been placed in judicial custody; two remain at large and are subject to a manhunt.

Q2: What role did the police play in the investigation?

A: Mumbai Crime Branch’s Anti‑Extortion Cell gathered evidence, conducted surveillance, and executed the arrest operation.