In a decisive move that has sent shockwaves through Mumbai’s underworld, the City Crime Branch secured the custody of notorious gangster Raviprakash alias Ravi Pujari on Thursday. The arrest, which comes after a protracted investigation into a 2018 extortion case involving choreographer Remo D’Souza, marks a significant victory for law‑enforcement agencies and underscores the growing intolerance for organized crime in the city.
Background and Context
The Ravi Pujari extortion case traces its roots to a 2013 contractual dispute between Om Shri Ganesh Films, the production house of Remo D’Souza, and Satyendra Tyagi, the film’s producer. The disagreement erupted over the film’s release schedule, editing decisions, distribution rights and financial settlements. Between October 2016 and February 2018, Pujari, along with his associate Prasad Pujari, allegedly issued a series of menacing calls and threats to D’Souza, his wife, and the production crew, demanding a ransom of Rs 50 lakh to “settle” the matter.
While Tyagi and another accused, Kamalsingh Rajput alias Raju, were apprehended in 2018, Pujari evaded capture for years, operating from Karnataka and maintaining a network of criminal associates. The case has since expanded, with nine pending charges in Mumbai, three of which fall under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The government of Senegal, which had previously granted permission for prosecution in ten cases, now cleared the way for the additional nine, enabling the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to pursue a comprehensive crackdown.
Key Developments
On Thursday, a gun‑wielding special squad of the Crime Branch escorted 56‑year‑old Pujari from a Karnataka jail to the Esplanade Magistrate Court. He was produced before the court and remanded to police custody until January 26, 2026. This arrest is the second of its kind, following a similar operation that saw Pujari taken from a Karnataka facility earlier this year.
According to the police statement, the arrest was facilitated by a coordinated effort between the Mumbai Police, the CBI, and the Karnataka Police. The operation was carried out under the provisions of the Maharashtra Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2025, which allows for the transfer of suspects across state lines in cases involving organized crime.
- Number of offences: 49 registered against Pujari across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Karnataka.
- Pending cases: 9 in Mumbai, 3 under MCOCA.
- Ransom demanded: Rs 50 lakh in the 2018 extortion case.
- Remand period: Until January 26, 2026.
Police spokesperson, Inspector Rajesh Kumar, stated, “The arrest of Ravi Pujari is a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by our law‑enforcement agencies. It sends a clear message that the Mumbai Police will not tolerate extortion or intimidation, especially when it targets the creative community.”
Impact Analysis
The arrest has far‑reaching implications for several stakeholders:
- Film and entertainment industry: The case highlights the vulnerability of artists and producers to extortion. With the Mumbai Police taking a firm stance, industry players may feel more secure in pursuing creative projects without fear of intimidation.
- Criminal networks: Pujari’s removal from the underworld disrupts the operational chain of a gang that has been involved in extortion, money laundering and violent crimes. This could lead to a temporary destabilization of organized crime groups in the region.
- Public confidence: The swift action reinforces public trust in the police’s ability to tackle high‑profile criminals, potentially encouraging more victims to come forward with complaints.
- Legal precedent: The case sets a precedent for cross‑jurisdictional cooperation between state and central agencies, which could streamline future investigations involving interstate criminal syndicates.
For students and young professionals, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of safeguarding intellectual property and financial agreements. It also underscores the need for robust legal frameworks to protect creative talent from extortion.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Legal analyst Dr. Meera Sharma, a professor of criminal law at the University of Mumbai, emphasized the importance of proactive measures. “In cases like the Ravi Pujari extortion case, the first line of defense is a well‑documented contract. Artists and producers should ensure that all terms—payment schedules, distribution rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms—are clearly spelled out and signed by all parties.”
She added, “If threats or intimidation arise, it is crucial to document every incident—calls, messages, and any physical intimidation. This evidence can be pivotal in court proceedings.”
For those working in the entertainment sector, the following steps can mitigate the risk of extortion:
- Maintain a secure, encrypted communication channel for all business correspondence.
- Engage a reputable lawyer to review contracts and advise on potential legal pitfalls.
- Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately, providing all relevant evidence.
- Participate in industry workshops that focus on legal literacy and security awareness.
From a law‑enforcement perspective, the Ravi Pujari case demonstrates the effectiveness of inter‑agency collaboration. The CBI’s involvement, coupled with the MEA’s diplomatic coordination, showcases a model that can be replicated for other high‑profile cases involving cross‑border elements.
Looking Ahead
With Pujari in custody, the Mumbai Police are poised to intensify their focus on the remaining nine pending cases. The three MCOCA charges, in particular, could lead to severe penalties, including life imprisonment, if the court finds the evidence compelling.
Moreover, the case is likely to prompt a review of existing protocols for handling extortion cases involving the creative industry. Industry bodies may push for clearer guidelines and stronger protective measures for artists and producers.
On the legal front, the judiciary may set a precedent by interpreting the MCOCA provisions in the context of extortion, potentially broadening the scope of the act to cover a wider range of organized crime activities.
For the general public, the Ravi Pujari extortion case serves as a reminder that vigilance and timely reporting are essential tools in combating organized crime. The police’s decisive action signals a shift towards a more proactive stance against criminal intimidation.
As the investigation continues, stakeholders across the city will be watching closely to see how the remaining charges unfold and what further measures will be taken to safeguard the creative community and curb organized crime.
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