1 arrested in Surat after builder alleges extortion, Instagram influencer booked

Sawani was arrested earlier in 2019 over similar claims by the complainant but he was later released on bail, said officials.

Kapodara police inspector M J Solanki said, “We have registered an offence against social media star (Instagram) Kirti Patel, Vijay Sawani and others, over putting videos and threatening complainant Vaju Kathrodia on social media. We have arrested Vijay Sawani and we are working on catching others who are absconding.” Following Sawani’s arrest, Kirti Patel on Monday put out another video, slamming Kathrodia “for targeting an innocent (Sawani)”.

As per the details shared by police, Vajubhai Kathrodia (65), a resident of Kapodara and a builder by profession, accused Vijay Sawani, Kirti Patel, Zakir, Jhanvi alias Mamta Goswami, and three unidentified persons of extortion.

In his complaint, Kathrodia alleged that Sawani booked a house around nine years ago at the Velanja Row House on the outskirts of the city and deposited Rs 5 lakh. Sawani assured that he would pay the amount in the coming months. However, later, he allegedly demanded that his deposit be returned as he could not arrange more money.

Months later, as per Kathrodia, when he called to return the deposit, Sawani insisted that he be paid Rs 7 lakh. When Kathrodia refused, Sawani allegedly threatened him and uploaded defamatory posts against him, his construction firm and his family. Kathrodia claimed that he later agreed to pay Rs 7 lakh, but Sawani then asked for Rs 30 lakh.

Kathrodia further said that he had lodged a complaint against Vijay with Kamrej police station in 2019 for defaming him and his family and also threatening messages on social media. Police arrested him but later released him on bail.

Over the last three months, however, Sawani and his friend Kirti Patel allegedly posted a number of social media posts, defaming Kathrodia and his family.

On May 27, Kathrodia alleged, he received a call from a friend of Vjiay and Kirti Patel, who identified himself as Zakir, and invited him to meet at Silver Farm in Kosmadia village of Surat for a business deal.

Along with another accused identified as Jhanvi alias Mamta Goswami, Zakir allegedly spiked his drink and took his objectionable photos and videos when Kathrodia was in a drugged state.

In the days that followed, Kathrodia and his son, Vimal, then allegedly received a call from Kirti Patel among others who threatened to put up the clips and demanded Rs 2 crore.

Police have registered offenses under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 386 (extortion by putting a person in fear of death on grievous hurt), 389 (extortion by threat of accusation of an offense punishable with death or imprisonment for life), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 328 (causing hurt through poison with intent to commit an offence), 506(2) (if threat to be cause death or grievous hurt) 120(b) (criminal conspiracy) and sections of the IT Act.