Pune: In a shocking case of extortion and misinformation, a builder was allegedly threatened with a ₹50 lakh demand to allow the completion of a construction project in Wanawadi.
The accused spread false claims about the project’s legality through flex boards, discouraging buyers and causing financial losses to the builder. Wanawadi police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.
The complainant, 67-year-old Jayprakash Jagannath Girme, owns ancestral land in Wanawadi, where a legally approved construction project is underway. However, since June 2024, Sachin Somnath Jambhulkar (46) has allegedly been spreading misleading information to create doubts about the project’s legality and ownership.
Jambhulkar is accused of putting up flex boards urging buyers to avoid purchasing flats, thereby causing financial losses to the builder. In addition, the accused allegedly forged an official order from the Khadakwasla irrigation department to falsely claim that the land was designated for afforestation, attempting to stake illegal ownership rights over it.
Furthermore, Jambhulkar allegedly demanded ₹50 lakh from the builder, warning that the project would face obstructions if the money was not paid.
Following a complaint filed at Wanawadi Police Station, an FIR has been registered against Jambhulkar. Senior Police Inspector Satyajit Adamane is leading the investigation, and police are gathering evidence related to the fraudulent claims and extortion attempt.