Dubai caller, Haryanvi voice, Rs 1-cr demand: Delhi cops foil extortion plot

The case surfaced on September 16 when businessman Praveen Jain received three missed calls around 8.15 pm. Around 9.27 pm, his son Ayush received a call from a UAE-based number. The caller allegedly claimed to be an associate of Goldy Brar and demanded Rs 1 crore, threatening the family with serious consequences if the money was not paid. A case was registered at the Roop Nagar police station on September 17.

The probe soon acquired an international trail. Technical analysis showed the use of virtual private server infrastructure, with one identified IP address linked to OVH SAS in France, while digital accounts examined by the police pointed towards the UAE.

Aarif, originally from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested from Vejalpur in Ahmedabad on September 24 with the assistance of the Gujarat Police. His interrogation allegedly provided further leads about the network and the role of Mubarik, alias Gullu, whom the police described as the main conspirator.

The investigation took another turn when a second Delhi businessman was allegedly targeted using the same UAE number. On September 19, the younger brother of Rohini-based construction businessman Manoj Malik received two WhatsApp calls from the number and a 37-second audio message. The caller allegedly introduced himself as Vikrant from Mahendergarh, claimed links with the Goldy Brar gang and demanded Rs 1 crore within 48 hours, threatening firing. A case was subsequently registered at the Vijay Vihar police station.

The police said the investigation into the Roop Nagar case had by then uncovered an alleged plan to fire several rounds at the complainant’s residence and then renew the extortion demand. The plan was allegedly prepared about two days before its intended execution. Preventive arrangements were made at the victim’s residence, foiling the alleged attack.

Investigators found that four suspected shooters had allegedly been engaged for the operation — two from Panipat and two from Khalapar in Muzaffarnagar. Mubarik allegedly arranged their accommodation in Kirari and paid the rent. He was arrested in Delhi on September 25.