VIRAR: A prominent businessman and director of Nidan Healthcare, Dr Nitin Thorve, has alleged that police personnel demanded money to settle a criminal case registered against him. The allegation triggered a controversy on Tuesday, following which Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik ordered an inquiry by an assistant commissioner of police (ACP).Thorve alleged at a press conference that assistant police inspector Rupesh Dalvi of Bolinj police station and sub-inspector Shivaji Khade of the anti-extortion cell repeatedly contacted him and demanded Rs 15 crore to settle the case and help him get relief from the allegations. Thorve also claimed that he was told the money would have to be paid to the police commissioner and senior police inspectors.A case was registered against Thorve at Bolinj police station in July for allegedly cheating the Mistry family of Rs 20 crore. As the alleged fraud involved a substantial amount, the case was transferred to the anti-extortion cell for investigation.Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nitin Patil said Thorve’s statement had been recorded as part of the inquiry. However, Thorve had not been able to provide evidence to substantiate his allegations of a demand for money so far. The inquiry is underway, Patil said.Dalvi denied the allegations, calling them false. He said that although the case was initially registered at Bolinj police station, it was subsequently transferred to the anti-extortion cell for investigation.Thorve said he had entered into a deal with the Mistry family from Dahisar in 2001 for a plot in Virar and had paid them Rs 66 lakh as part of the transaction. He maintained that the cheating case against him was false.Thorve had approached the Bombay high court seeking quashing of the case. In September, the court directed that no coercive action be taken against him. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for December 5.
