The Dindoshi police have busted a blackmailing gang involving female members who allegedly lured men through social media and dating platforms. The women befriended their targets, arranged meetings at pre-decided locations, and then involved other gang members posing as fake police officers and journalists to stage a raid. They threatened the victims with arrest and public exposure, coercing them into paying large sums to “resolve” fabricated charges.

The police have arrested two suspects, Ruksar Shaikh, 24, a Malwani resident, and Iqbal Khan, 35, a Kandivli resident. However, two other accused, including a woman, remain at large, and the police are actively searching for them. A 20-year-old student from Airoli was the gang’s most recent victim. The accused blackmailed him into transferring Rs 99,000 online and handing over a gold chain. After the incident, the victim filed a complaint at the Dindoshi police station on January 14. Acting swiftly, the police arrested Ruksar a day later and apprehended Iqbal on Friday. Investigators found that the victim’s money had been transferred to Ruksar’s GPay account.