Mumbai: The crime branch of the Mumbai Police has apprehended seven individuals from an ‘international gang’ purportedly associated with underworld figure Chhota Shakeel, in relation to the kidnapping and assault of a drug dealer and his associate for extortion purposes, officials reported on Wednesday.

The drug dealer, known as Sajid Electricwala from Surat, was held captive by the suspects for almost a month before the crime branch intervened and rescued him. His associate, Shabbir, an estate agent, managed to escape on July 10 and sought help at the Oshiwara police station in Mumbai, which initiated the investigation, according to officials.

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The individuals arrested have been named as Sarvar Khan, Mehtab, Santosh Waghmare, Satish Kadu, Yunus Theverpalli, Tausif Saindi, and Rahul Sawant, as stated by the police.

During the investigation, authorities discovered connections between the suspects and Chhota Shakeel. On June 12, the gang kidnapped Electricwala and Shabbir from a hotel in Oshiwara using three vehicles, as per the investigators. The victims were taken to a farmhouse in Raigad district, where they were reportedly assaulted as part of an extortion scheme.

According to police, the suspects transported Electricwala across various locations, including Raigad, Nashik, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, in an attempt to avoid capture. After Shabbir filed a complaint, a case of kidnapping and extortion was registered and handed over to the crime branch. Given the case’s sensitivity, six teams were established to locate the suspects.

All seven individuals have prior criminal histories involving MCOCA, extortion, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and arms-related offenses, officials noted.

Police ramp up efforts against drug trafficking and gambling. The investigation further indicated that the kidnapping was linked to a dispute over a Mephedrone drug transaction. Electricwala had reportedly received Rs 50 lakh from the suspects for the supply of Mephedrone but failed to deliver the drugs or refund the money.