Udupi: Shirva police have arrested a 45-year-old man in connection with an alleged extortion racket in which businessmen across Udupi district received threatening calls from international phone numbers in the name of underworld operative Hemanth Poojary.
The callers allegedly demanded crores of rupees from businessmen and threatened to murder them if they failed to pay. The threats reportedly included warnings that the victims would meet the same fate as David D’Souza of Mudarangadi, who was murdered earlier in Shirva.
The arrested person has been identified as Harish Poojary (45), a resident of Santur village. Police suspect that he assisted the alleged underworld operative by providing mobile phone numbers of businessmen targeted in the extortion attempts.
Eight extortion cases registered across Udupi district
According to police, following the murder of David D’Souza, businessmen operating within the jurisdictions of Padubidri, Manipal, Kaup and Shirva police stations were allegedly targeted through threatening international calls.
The callers reportedly introduced themselves in the name of Hemanth Poojary and demanded amounts running into crores of rupees.
The threats allegedly warned businessmen that they would be killed if they refused to pay. In some instances, the callers reportedly referred to the murder of David D’Souza to intimidate their targets.
A total of eight cases have been registered at various police stations across Udupi district in connection with the extortion threats.
The incidents have prompted investigations into the source of the international calls, the identities of those involved and the network allegedly operating behind the threats.
Harish Poojary accused of supplying businessmen’s numbers
During the investigation into a case registered at Shirva police station, investigators identified Harish Poojary of Santur village as a suspected associate of the alleged underworld operative.
Police alleged that he had provided Hemanth Poojary with the mobile phone numbers of businessmen, enabling them to be contacted and threatened.
During questioning, Harish Poojary reportedly admitted to having assisted in the crime by supplying the complainant’s mobile number in the Shirva police station case to Hemanth Poojary.
Based on the investigation, police arrested him on November 2.
Two mobile phones seized
Following the arrest, police seized two mobile phones allegedly used in connection with the commission of the crime.
The accused was subsequently produced before the court.
Investigators are examining the seized devices and other available evidence to establish the extent of his alleged involvement and identify any additional persons connected with the extortion activities.
Investigation continues into threats against businessmen
Police are continuing their investigation into all eight cases registered across Udupi district.
The probe is focusing on the alleged network behind the international threatening calls, the role of individuals who may have supplied contact information and the methods used to target businessmen in different police station jurisdictions.
The arrest of Harish Poojary marks an important development in the Shirva police investigation. Further details are expected as investigators pursue leads in the cases involving alleged extortion and threats against businessmen in the district.