An accused wanted in connection with a 2023 extortion and attempted murder case in Thane district was detained at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Monday, police said.
Akhtar Kasamali Merchant, who had been absconding in the case, was intercepted by central immigration authorities at the airport at 12:24 pm following the issuance of a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) and an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against him.
Officials of the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police Commissionerate subsequently took Merchant into custody and produced him before the Patiala House Court.
Case dates back to 2023 firing attempt
The case relates to an incident on October 13, 2023, when an unidentified man entered the International Baking Company in Mira Road in Thane district and allegedly attempted to open fire with a pistol.
The firearm failed to discharge, but the incident was captured on CCTV cameras. The footage helped investigators identify the individuals allegedly linked to the network behind the attack.
Following the investigation, Kashimira Police registered a case under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Police identify alleged role in conspiracy
During the investigation, police allegedly found evidence indicating Merchant’s involvement in the conspiracy. Authorities subsequently obtained an NBW against him.
As Merchant remained untraceable, an Interpol Red Corner Notice was also issued to help authorities locate and detain him if he was identified by law enforcement or immigration authorities in another country.
The notice enabled authorities to flag his details internationally and contributed to his interception when he was identified at the Delhi airport.
Accused produced before Patiala House Court
After Merchant was detained at IGI Airport, the police team moved quickly to secure his transit remand so that he could be taken to Maharashtra for further investigation.
“We moved the Patiala House Court immediately after the detention, requesting custody to transfer the accused back to Maharashtra for further investigation under MCOCA. The court considered our submission and granted a 5-day transit remand until August 22, 2026,” stated Assistant Police Inspector (API) Yogesh Kale of the .
The Patiala House Court directed the police team to produce Merchant before the Special Judge of the MCOCA court in Thane after his arrival in Maharashtra.
The transit remand allows the police to bring the accused from Delhi to Maharashtra to face proceedings in the case.
Police to investigate larger conspiracy
Kashimira Police are now taking Merchant back to Maharashtra for further questioning and investigation into the alleged conspiracy.
The investigation is expected to focus on Merchant’s alleged role in the 2023 firing attempt and his links with other individuals suspected to be involved in the case.
“The Kashimira Police are bringing the accused back to Maharashtra to unveil the larger conspiracy,” Kale added.