A high-profile extortion threat invoking the name of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang has triggered widespread ripples across political and business circles in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Acting on a complaint from a local politician, a joint team from the cyber cell and crime branch conducted technical surveillance for four consecutive days. The operation culminated in the late-night arrest of Shoaib Dhebar, son of Congress-affiliated liquor businessman Anwar Dhebar, on Saturday.
Extortion Demand of Rs 25 Crore
The case came to light when Congress leader Anand Kukreja received an intimidating message demanding an extortion payment of Rs 25 crore. The sender invoked the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to induce fear and ensure compliance. Recognizing the severity of the threat, the complainant approached the authorities, prompting the cyber crime unit and local detectives to trace the digital footprint of the communication, including virtual communication channels.
Replicating a Previous Threat Template
During the forensic and technical examination of the digital evidence, investigators uncovered a deceptive strategy designed to mislead law enforcement agencies. Earlier, Shoaib Dhebar's uncle, former Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar, had received a similar extortion demand amounting to Rs 50 crore. That threat was issued under the names of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Aman Sahu gangs through phone calls and text messages generated via foreign virtual numbers, leading to an official FIR at the Kotwali police station.
Investigators discovered that the message sent to Anand Kukreja was virtually identical to the one earlier directed at Aijaz Dhebar. The text had been copied and selectively edited with different target details to create confusion and simulate the operation of an external interstate syndicate, thereby complicating the police inquiry.
Court Proceedings and Expanding Probe
Following his arrest on Saturday night, Shoaib Dhebar was produced before a local court on Sunday evening. The prosecution sought police custody for custodial interrogation to unearth further technical evidence and establish the full chain of events. However, after considering the submissions, the court granted bail to the accused.
The investigation has expanded beyond the primary suspect to ascertain whether additional individuals were involved in drafting or transmitting the threats. Authorities have summoned and questioned multiple associates, including Tinu Bhardwaj, the nephew of a BJP leader. Law enforcement officials are actively verifying whether the motive stemmed from local commercial rivalry, political maneuvering, or broader syndicate links.
