Dawood’s Nephew Acquitted in 2019 Extortion Case by MCOCA Court

In a significant development, a special court has acquitted Mohammed Rizwan Shaikh Ibrahim (Kaskar), nephew of fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim, along with two others in a 2019 extortion case. The trio was booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Special judge B D Shelke delivered the verdict, clearing Mohammed Rizwan Shaikh Ibrahim, Ahmedraja Vadhariya, and Ashfaq Towelwala of charges under sections 387 (putting persons in fear of death or of grievous hurt to commit extortion), 120 (criminal conspiracy), and relevant provisions of the MCOCA.

The case stemmed from allegations made by a builder, who also had a business importing electronic goods, claiming that his business partner owed him Rs 15 lakh. In June 2019, the builder received an international call purportedly made on behalf of gangster Chhota Shakeel through gang member Fahim Machmach, warning him not to press for payment.

The prosecution presented evidence including phone call recordings and Call Detail Records (CDRs) to support their case. Additionally, Ashfaq Towelwala had reportedly made a confessional statement disclosing the crime he committed with the other accused.

The prosecution argued that Mohammed Rizwan Shaikh Ibrahim, allegedly under the influence of Dawood Ibrahim, and the other accused threatened the builder to relinquish the outstanding dues.

However, Chhota Shakeel and Fahim Machmach, listed as wanted accused in the case, remain at large. The court has instructed the police to file a separate charge sheet against them.

During the trial, the prosecution examined 23 witnesses and presented electronic evidence, yet the court found the evidence insufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to the acquittal of the accused.

The verdict marks a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding organized crime cases, underscoring the challenges of prosecuting cases involving influential and elusive figures like those associated with Dawood Ibrahim’s network.

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