Woman attempted to extort minister in Mumbai

Mumbai's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the assembly that a woman arrested for attempting to extort money from Minister Jaykumar Gore had contact with prominent politicians Supriya Sule and Rohit Pawar. The 47-year-old woman from Satara was caught last week during a police operation. Her associate, Tushar Kharat, a YouTuber, was also arrested and reportedly had multiple conversations with members of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Fadnavis defended Gore, stating that using politics to harm someone's life was unacceptable. He expressed concerns about the breach of privilege committee, claiming it had lost its power and credibility. Pawar commented that both the woman and a journalist involved should receive justice, emphasizing the need for transparency in handling the matter. The woman allegedly tried to extort Rs 3 crore from Gore, threatening to protest unless he complied. The situation recalled a case against Gore from 2016, which had ended in 2019. Fadnavis explained that the police had sufficient evidence, including recorded conversations, to act against those involved. Three individuals, including the woman, Kharat, and another named Anil Subhedar, were arrested for colluding in the extortion scheme. Fadnavis disclosed that the accused had significant connections within the NCP, mentioning calls made between them and Sule and Pawar. He called for respect towards the legislature, asserting that while they have the power to reprimand, it is necessary for everyone to uphold their responsibilities and honor the institution.