Nagpur: The investigation into threatening letters demanding ₹80 lakh from eight jewellery traders in Nagpur’s Itwari area has revealed that the letters were allegedly posted from a post box in the Khamla area. The development has provided investigators with a crucial lead as police attempt to identify those behind the threats issued in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
According to police investigations, the threatening letters were posted on three separate dates — October 20, 21 and 22. The envelopes were reportedly deposited in a post box in Khamla, from where they were routed to the Trimurti Nagar post office before being delivered to the targeted jewellers in Itwari.
Police are now examining CCTV footage and other available information around the Khamla post box to identify the persons who deposited the letters. The Tahsil Police have also registered a case against unidentified accused following a complaint by Nehal Tinkhede, a resident of Nandanvan and owner of Durga Jewellers on New Itwari Road.
Woman Handed Over Envelope Containing Eight Letters
The case took a significant turn after an unidentified woman allegedly visited Tinkhede’s jewellery shop on October 31 between 3 pm and 3.30 pm. She reportedly asked him for ₹10 to purchase a postal stamp and handed him an envelope.
After the woman left, Tinkhede opened the envelope and discovered seven additional envelopes along with a threatening letter. The seven envelopes carried the names and addresses of other jewellery traders in the Gandhibagh area.
Police are investigating the woman’s identity and her possible role in delivering the threatening correspondence.
₹80 Lakh Demanded, Three-Day Deadline Given
The threatening letter allegedly claimed links with Mumbai-based shooters associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. It demanded ₹10 lakh from each of the eight targeted jewellers, taking the total ransom demand to ₹80 lakh.
The traders were reportedly given three days to arrange the money. The letter threatened that if the payment was not made, the jewellers and their family members would be murdered by slitting their throats.
It also warned the traders against approaching the police, threatening serious consequences if they reported the matter. The letter allegedly instructed them to put up a ‘Jai Shri Ram’ poster at their entrance after making the payment.
The threats have created anxiety among jewellery traders in the city.
Police Assure Enhanced Security in Sarafa Market
Following the incident, Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Madne and Tahsil Police Station Inspector Sanjay Mende held a meeting with office-bearers and members of the Nagpur Sarafa Association on Monday.
DCP Madne personally assured traders that the police would provide full cooperation and that there would be no compromise on security arrangements. Police personnel have been deployed in the area, and traders have been urged to share any information related to the case.
Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar also reportedly contacted the association over the matter and assured that the police would pursue the investigation and take appropriate action.
Similar Threat Reportedly Received by Another Jeweller Earlier
Another important detail emerged during the meeting. Mahalakshmi Jewellers, operated by Bhujade and falling under the jurisdiction of Pratap Nagar Police Station, had allegedly received a similar threatening letter around one-and-a-half months ago.
Traders reportedly expressed concern that if the earlier incident had been treated seriously and an FIR registered at the time, the subsequent threats against eight jewellers might potentially have been prevented.
Police Probing Possible Bishnoi Gang Connection
The most crucial lead in the investigation is currently the Khamla post box. Police are trying to establish who posted the letters and whether the persons responsible actually have links with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang or merely used the gang’s name to intimidate traders and extort money.
Investigators are also examining the possibility of a wider network behind the operation. Police officials have assured the jewellery community that efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible at the earliest.
The actual connection, if any, with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang remains to be established through the investigation.
