Gangster Sajju's brother Yunus arrested for extortion

Surat: Police arrested a key member of Sajju Kothari gang and elder brother of Sajju, Yunus Gulam Mohammad Kothari from Nanpura here on Saturday for his alleged involvement in extortion and illegally custody of cars of a Navsari resident. To recover a loan of Rs15 lakh and interest, the Kothari gang had taken possession of property, cash and valuables worth crores of the complainant since 2012.Police are tightening the noose around Sajju's gang, which is allegedly involved in several illegal activities.
Police arrested Yunus after recovery of seven luxury cars on Friday from Jamrukh Galli of Nanpura. Police had earlier recovered a Toyota Fortuner near the brothers' house and during investigation it was found that the SUV belonged to Navsari resident and land developer Sanjay Bagle.
During questioning, Bagle told police that his eight cars were forcefully taken by Sajju and his men along with Rs3 crore in cash, jewellery worth Rs50 lakh and papers of his bungalow worth Rs1 crore. Bagle lodged complaint against Sajju, Yunus and his gang for extorting money and threatening to kill him to recover Rs15 lakh loan with interest.
Bagle, a history-sheeter in Navsari, took a loan of Rs15 lakh in 2012 at 8% rate from Sajju. He paid a huge amount in cash for five months to Sajju and realized that he had already paid more than the loan amount. He later stopped paying after which Sajju and his men started threatening him and took possession of his cars, jewellery and property papers.
"The accused, Sajju and Yunus, refused to accept the loan amount and insisted that Bagle pay the interest. It seems like an organized racket of giving loan and later extorting money from individuals," said A M Captain, police inspector, Athwa police station.
Sajju was arrested in the past for running gambling dens in Nanpura. He also started finance business and lent money only to those having criminal background. Later, he extorted money from the person since the victim would not go to police because of his criminal background.
Police have recovered photo copies of some property papers from Sajju's residence. They believe that more victims will approach them now as the racket has been busted.