YouTubers or Gangsters? 5 Silvassa YouTubers Arrested for Extortion; 5-Day Remand Granted, Properties to be Seized
Breaking News: A major extortion racket operating under the guise of “journalism” and “social media activism” has been busted in Silvassa, the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
The Silvassa Police have arrested a gang of 5 YouTubers who were terrorizing industrialists and small traders. Posing as government agents or high-profile journalists, these individuals used cameras and microphones as weapons to threaten business owners and extort lakhs of rupees.
The terror of this gang was so widespread that many industrialists were living under constant mental stress.
On Saturday, the police produced all five accused in court. Accepting the strong arguments presented by the prosecution, the Hon’ble Court granted a 5-day police remand for further interrogation.
In a move that sets a stern precedent, the police have also initiated proceedings to attach and seize the properties of the accused under the ‘Proceeds of Crime’ provisions, suspecting that their assets were amassed through illegal means.
Modus Operandi: Extortion in the Name of News
For months, anarchy prevailed in the industrial zones of Silvassa. The arrested 5 YouTubers operated a sophisticated racket.
They would barge into factories, shops, or construction sites wielding cameras and mics. Identifying themselves as influential journalists or agents with government connections, they would find minor faults or fabricate issues.
The threat was simple: “Pay up, or we will ruin your reputation.”
They threatened to upload negative videos on their YouTube channels or file false complaints with government departments like the Pollution Control Board or Labor Department. Fearing bad publicity and bureaucratic harassment, many helpless businessmen succumbed to their demands.
SP Sachin Yadav Cracks the Whip
The rising number of complaints regarding the misuse of social media caught the attention of SP Sachin Yadav. Taking the matter seriously, he ordered a discreet investigation.
The probe revealed that these YouTubers were not reporting news but running an organized extortion syndicate. Under the direct supervision of the SP, the police gathered crucial evidence, including call recordings and witness statements.
The police also provided confidence to the victimized industrialists, encouraging them to come forward and file formal complaints without fear.
The Courage of Infilum Textile GM
The racket was blown wide open when Prem Kumar Singh, the General Manager of Infilum Textile Pvt Ltd, decided to fight back.
Refusing to bow down to the blackmail, he filed a formal FIR with the police. He detailed how the gang demanded a hefty sum by threatening to defame his well-established company.
This complaint acted as the final nail in the coffin for the gang. Based on this FIR, the police launched a swift operation and arrested all members of the syndicate.
The Gang of Five
The police have released the names of the five arrested individuals who were active on Silvassa’s digital platforms:
- Rajkishore Sharma
- Chandan Singh
- Tushar Jha
- Ashish Jha
- Chhotukumar Singh
They worked as a coordinated team—one would identify the target, another would issue the threats, and a third would collect the cash.
Booked Under New BNS Laws
The accused have been charged under serious sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), reflecting the gravity of their crimes:
- Section 308(2) & 308(3): Extortion.
- Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace.
- Section 353(1)b: Criminal Intimidation.
- Section 112: Organized Crime or abetting organized crime.
5-Day Remand to Uncover the Money Trail
During the court hearing on Saturday, the Public Prosecutor argued that custodial interrogation was essential to uncover the full extent of the extortion.
The police need to:
- Identify how many other victims have been blackmailed.
- Recover the extorted money.
- Examine mobile chats, bank transactions, and digital devices for evidence.
The court, acknowledging these points, granted a 5-day remand. This period is expected to reveal more secrets and potentially expose the involvement of other local elements who might be supporting this gang.
Seizure of Properties
SP Sachin Yadav has sent a strong message: Crime will not pay.
The police have started the process to identify the movable and immovable properties of the accused. Any asset—be it luxury cars, expensive gadgets, or real estate—purchased using the extorted money will be treated as ‘Criminal Proceeds’ and will be seized/attached as per the law.
Steps are also being taken to freeze the bank accounts of the 5 YouTubers.
Relief for Industries
The arrest has brought a sigh of relief to the industrial belts of Silvassa, Masat, Rakholi, and Kharadpada.
The Silvassa Industries Association has welcomed the police action, stating that it restores confidence in the law and order situation. The message is clear: blackmailing in the garb of journalism will no longer be tolerated.
Warning for Social Media Influencers
This case serves as a “Red Alert” for anyone misusing digital platforms. Freedom of speech does not include the freedom to extort.
The crackdown has instilled fear among other similar elements in the territory. The police have also activated a special cell to monitor social media activities to prevent such harassment in the future.
Conclusion: Victory of Law
In conclusion, the swift action by the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Police under SP Sachin Yadav is commendable.
The 5-day remand of the Silvassa YouTubers proves that no one is above the law. Industrialists and traders are urged to report any such threats immediately rather than paying the extortionists.
#Silvassa #YouTuberArrest #Extortion #SPSachinYadav #SilvassaPolice #DNHNews #CrimeUpdate #FakeJournalist #Remand #InfilumTextile #SocialMediaCrime #VapiUpdate #GJ15 #JusticeServed
📌 Note:
This article is published on OurVapi.com The information presented is based on public sources, local inputs, field observations, and the author’s independent assessment. It is intended to be useful primarily for readers from Vapi, Valsad, Umbergaon, Sarigam, Bhilad, Silvassa, Daman, and nearby regions.
The core objective of OurVapi.com is to deliver accurate, useful, factual, and verified information with a strong focus on local news, public awareness, culture, lifestyle, and community-related topics.
If you found this article helpful, please share it and leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Stay connected with OurVapi.com for reliable local news, updates, and community-focused content.
