Mumbai: Fake BMC Officials Extort INR 19,500 From Businessman Over Smoking in Auto

Kherwadi police have arrested three men for allegedly posing as Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials and extorting ₹19,500 from a businessman after accusing him of smoking inside an auto-rickshaw, police said. The arrests were made on Wednesday, with investigators now probing whether the accused had targeted other people using a similar method, TOI reported.

Accused Posed as BMC Officials

According to the police, the three accused are residents of Powai. They allegedly approached the businessman while he was travelling in an auto-rickshaw and claimed to be BMC officials. Mumbai: Jogeshwari Doctor Targeted in INR 15 Lakh Extortion Attempt As 4 Threaten To Leak His Private Video on Social Media.

The men reportedly accused him of violating rules by smoking inside the rickshaw. They then allegedly threatened him with action and demanded money. The businessman eventually paid ₹19,500, following which he approached the police and reported the incident.

Police Arrest Three

Following the complaint, Kherwadi police began investigating the alleged extortion and worked to identify the men who had posed as civic officials. The three suspects were subsequently arrested on Wednesday. Police are questioning them to establish how the alleged extortion was planned and whether they had committed similar offences previously. Mumbai Cybercrime: Ex Bank Officer Digitally Arrested for 54 Days on Threat of Implication in Delhi Bomb Blast; INR 40 Lakh Extorted in Bhandup.

Investigators are also examining the circumstances in which the accused obtained information about the victim and whether they had been monitoring potential targets.

Smoking Rules Used as Pretext

Smoking in public places is prohibited under India's tobacco-control regulations, but police said the accused allegedly exploited this rule to make their impersonation appear credible. Instead of issuing any legitimate notice or fine, the suspects allegedly used the threat of official action to obtain money from the businessman.

The case highlights the risk of impersonation scams in which offenders falsely claim to represent government or civic agencies to pressure members of the public into making payments.

Probe Underway

The Kherwadi police are continuing their investigation and verifying the identities and backgrounds of the arrested men. Officials are also expected to determine whether the trio acted alone or whether others were involved in the alleged scheme.

Police have urged people who face demands for cash from individuals claiming to be civic officials to verify their identity and seek an official receipt or contact the police if they suspect fraud.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2026 10:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).