Mumbai, Nov 14 — In a significant development, more than 15 high-profile cases, along with several old investigations and pending complaint applications, have been transferred from the Mumbai Crime Branch's Anti-Extortion Cell to other Crime Branch units following a senior-level review of the cell's previous investigations and weapon seizures.
A senior police officer confirmed that the extortion and fraud cases had been redistributed among different Crime Branch units based on the jurisdiction where the alleged offences took place. All relevant notifications and case documents have been handed over to the respective units for further investigation.
According to Mumbai Police sources, among the units assigned the maximum responsibility are Crime Branch Unit 9, Unit 2 and Unit 3.
According to sources, Unit 9 has received the highest number of cases,around six, including the high-profile Bandra redevelopment dispute, in which five people were arrested for demanding Rs 11 crore as extortion.
Crime Branch Unit 2 has been assigned four cases.
Additionally, a special team from the unit has been deployed to assist Assistant Commissioner of Police Sadashiv Rane, who was appointed as the Investigating Officer following the invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the firing case involving actor Tiger Shroff.
Similarly, Crime Branch Unit 3 has been entrusted with two to three important cases, while the remaining matters have been distributed among other Crime Branch units according to the locations of the alleged offences.
Other significant cases transferred include an alleged extortion demand of Rs 1.5 crore from a businessman based in Mumbai's Lower Parel and a case involving a demand for Rs 2.50 crore in exchange for withdrawing a criminal complaint.
In the latter case, the Anti-Extortion Cell had laid a trap and arrested the complainant and a lawyer while they were allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 45 lakh.
The redistribution of cases has created a stir within the police department.
However, the police administration has not yet issued any official announcement regarding the closure of the Anti-Extortion Cell.
The department's next course of action is now being closely watched.