Jamshedpur: A businessman from Sonari has alleged that he was assaulted, threatened and forced to pay extortion by a group of anti-social elements at his warehouse in Jhabari Basti, raising concerns over safety and law and order in the area.
Vishwanath Diwan, a resident of C/160 B Block on Dispensary Road, has lodged a written complaint with the officer in charge of Sonari police station, accusing Mahavir Singh, Shashi Prasad alias Doctor, Mintu, Bhanu Thakur, and three to four unidentified associates of repeated harassment, violence, and extortion.
Diwan, who runs a tile and building materials business under the name Balaji Marble, stated that he has been operating a warehouse in Jhabari Basti for nearly 30 years. In his complaint, he alleged that the accused persons regularly visit the warehouse in an inebriated condition, abuse workers, and demand money from vehicles transporting goods, often obstructing unloading operations.
The situation reportedly escalated on February 4 when tiles brought by a truck were being unloaded at around 8:30 am by his employees, Rohan and Vishal. The accused allegedly arrived armed with sharp weapons, abused the workers, and attempted to stop the unloading.
Upon receiving information, Diwan reached the spot around 9:30 am. He alleged that Mahavir Singh and Mintu attacked him with an iron rod and attempted to kill him. The accused allegedly demanded ₹1 lakh as extortion money, warning him to pay if he wished to continue running his business.
During the incident, one of the accused allegedly entered the warehouse, assaulted workers, and forcibly snatched around ₹15,000 from Diwan’s pocket. The group also allegedly threatened his driver, warning of setting the vehicle on fire if their demands were not met.
Residents intervened and rescued the businessman, following which he received medical treatment. Diwan stated that the repeated threats and alleged acts of violence have made it extremely difficult for him to continue his business activities in the area.
He has urged the police to take strict legal action against the accused for assault, extortion, robbery, and criminal intimidation, and sought protection for himself and his workers. Police officials said the complaint has been received and the matter is under examination. Further investigation is likely to follow.
