Mumbai

The Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has arrested four accused for attempting to dupe three BJP MLAs of Rs 100 crore for allegedly facilitating a ministerial post in the newly formed Maharashtra government.

According to the Crime Branch the accused have been identified as Riyaaz Sheikh, Yogesh Kulkarni, Sagar Sangwai and Jaffar Usmani.

BJP MLA Rahul Kul informed the police after getting a call from the accused who claimed that he can get him a ministerial post.

"A few days ago, a man called me and said that he can help me get a ministerial post. Immediately, I informed the police and Devendra Fadnavis. The accused has been arrested. Police are inquiring as to how many people the accused contacted" Kul told a news agency.

The accused called BJP MLA Kul on July 12, however, after he did not answer the call, his PA was approached. The accused told the PA that he has come from Delhi to meet the MLA.

The next day, Kul's PA called the accused at Nariman Point for a meeting, during which MLA Kul talked about a portfolio. In response, the accused demanded Rs 90 crores and Rs 18 crore in advance.

Kul agreed and asked him to come to Trident Hotel the next day and collect the money. Simultaneously, he also informed the police.

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The accused was taken into custody after he arrived at the hotel.