Hyderabad: Police arrested two persons involved in a Charminar extortion racket that targeted pushcart vendors and forced them to pay daily “mamool” to continue their businesses.
Officers from Charminar Police Station identified the suspects as Shaik Naseeruddin, also known as Mohammed Naseeruddin or Ganna Naseer (72), a juice vendor and rowdy-sheeter of Bhavani Nagar Police Station, and Mohd Azaan Quadri, also known as Toufeeq (42), a petty vendor from Yakutpura.
Police said another associate, Azhar, is absconding.
Charminar extortion racket targeted pushcart vendors
According to investigators, the suspects demanded illegal payments from pushcart vendors operating around Charminar.
Police apprehended the accused near Ruman Hotel in Mirchowk.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to collecting daily “mamool” from vendors. Initially, they charged ₹500 per day. Later, they reportedly increased the amount to ₹1,000.
Investigators said the suspects threatened vendors with knives and warned them to vacate the area if they refused to pay.
Police also revealed that Shaik Naseeruddin has a criminal background. Several cases are registered against him under the NDPS Act, Arms Act, Gaming Act and other offences, including extortion and attempt to murder.
Authorities produced the suspects before the court, which remanded them in judicial custody.