Mumbai Crime Branch Arrests Two Z Gang Members Under MCOCA in Extortion Case

The Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 9 has arrested two more persons in connection with an extortion case involving the notorious Z Gang in Mumbai's western suburbs, invoking the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act against both individuals.

The two arrested accused have been identified as Sikandar Chimu and Firoz Khan. Following their arrests, the police invoked the stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against them. With these latest apprehensions, the total number of accused arrested in connection with the extortion case has risen to 17.

The action is part of an intensified crackdown by the Mumbai Crime Branch against the syndicate, which has allegedly been active across the western suburbs. Prior to these arrests, MCOCA proceedings had already been initiated against 14 other accused persons, including alleged gang leader Zulfikar Behlim.

According to the police investigation, the Z Gang has been involved in multiple serious offences, including extortion, intimidation with weapons, assault, and threats to kill. Investigators stated that the gang operated across the western suburbs by creating fear among local businessmen, contractors, and other citizens to extort money from them. The police further noted that the gang carried out these criminal activities in an organised manner with the explicit intention of gaining financial benefits.

Following the arrests of Sikandar Chimu and Firoz Khan, the Crime Branch is currently investigating their specific alleged roles within the criminal network and examining their links with the other arrested accused.

Investigators are also scrutinising the gang's financial transactions as part of the wider probe. Police stated that active efforts remain underway to trace and apprehend other members and associates connected to the extortion network.