New Delhi, Aug 23: Chief Metropolitan Magistrate here today framed charges against three henchmen of Dubai-based underworld don Abu Salem for allegedly trying to extort crores of rupees from Delhi-based businessmen. Finding prima facie evidence against the accused - Isthiaq, C P Rai and Sadiq Ali - CMM K S Pal charged them under Sections 387 (putting someone in fear of death over extortion), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 120-B (conspiracy) of IPC. Complainant Rajat Najrath - a Delhi-based businessman - had alleged last year that he had got several calls on his mobile from another mobile of one Thakur (a hitman of Salem) who demanded crores of rupees from him. Thakur then allegedly gave Rajat one mobile number and asked him to contact Salem. Though Rajat ignored the calls initially, he feared for his life when Thakur threatened him with dire consequences if he did not pay up. This year, after Rajat fixed a meeting with the three accused at his factory, special cell of Delhi Police - which laid this trap - arrested the trio.

Country-made pistols, revolveres and live catridges were allegedly recovered from them.
Salem's hitmen had also threatened to kill another Delhi-based businessman Puneet Khanna if he did not hand over crores of rupees to them, public prosecutor Taufeeq Ahmed said, adding that Thakur has since been absconding and has been named in column number two of the chargesheet.

Bureau Report