Akhtar Merchant, an alleged associate of underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim, has been taken into custody at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after remaining away from Indian authorities for nearly three years. His arrest is linked to a 2023 case involving an alleged extortion attempt and firing at a bakery in Kashimira, in Maharashtra’s Mira-Bhayandar region.
The arrest followed efforts by the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police Crime Branch to trace Merchant after information about his movements became available through international law-enforcement channels. Investigators reportedly kept watch for his return to India before intercepting him at Delhi Airport.
The case was registered by Kashimira Police in 2023 after an alleged extortion demand was made against a gutkha businessman. Police investigations have named Merchant and Nisar Ahmed Sheikh, also known as Pappu Pager, in connection with the alleged plan.
Investigators suspect that a shooter was sent to the bakery after the businessman allegedly declined to comply with the demand. The incident reportedly did not result in injuries because the firearm failed to operate as intended. The suspected shooter, identified as Akbar Shaikh, was arrested during the investigation, while Merchant remained outside the country.
The case is being investigated under multiple serious criminal provisions. These include allegations connected to attempted murder, extortion and criminal conspiracy, along with relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
An Interpol Red Notice was issued in connection with Merchant, helping authorities circulate information about the wanted accused internationally. His eventual detention at Delhi Airport has now brought a key development to the investigation.
Police are expected to question Merchant regarding his alleged involvement in the extortion plan, the bakery firing and his interactions with other accused individuals. Investigators may also examine his activities and movements during the period he remained outside India.
The arrest could provide investigators with an opportunity to establish the sequence of events surrounding the 2023 incident and determine the extent of Merchant’s alleged involvement. Further legal proceedings and investigation will establish the allegations against him.
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