Mumbai: The ongoing extortion drama between senior IAS officer Radheshyam Mopalwar and Thane-based private detective Satish Mangle, which saw the latter being arrested on Thursday, has its roots in rivalry dating back several years. Both have filed complaints against each other over the years, and Mr. Mangle’s arrest seems to be the end of war, as of now.
According to a statement released by Mr. Mopalwar, Mr. Mangle was a mediator in his divorce proceedings, and used this familiarity to extort money from him and his wife. “Last year, he demanded extortion money of ₹55 lakh with the help of a woman journalist and a goon. A complaint about this incident is filed with Bandra police station,” it said.
The statement also claimed that an audio clip of Mr. Mopalwar allegedly demanding money in a land deal was given to a news channel by Mr. Mangle. “A report has been given that no transaction ever took place in this case,” it said.
While Mr. Mopalwar has been after Mr. Mangle, the latter had kept him busy by filing complaints of corruption against him at various levels. On August 29, he had appeared as a complainant before an inquiry committee probing allegations against Mr Mopalwar. In his submission to the panel, he had said the committee should be scrapped as it has no powers to probe the officer.
In a press conference two months ago, BJP MLA Anil Gote had produced a letter dated January 9 from the Union Home Department headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The letter refers to another complaint from Mr. Gote, where he had alleged that Mr. Mopalwar was involved in kidnapping, robbing and torturing one Satish Mangle. “The CM has asked for urgent and appropriate inquiry by the Crime Branch,” it said.
