Nagpur: A sessions court in Nagpur hearing extortion and threat call to Union minister Nitin Gadkari case was informed that the accused, Jayesh Pujari, allegedly masterminded the plot from inside jail, using contact details of prominent political and organisational figures.Testifying before the court, a former anti-terrorism squad (ATS) officer said that while lodged at Hindalga Central Jail in Belagavi, Pujari maintained diaries containing mobile and landline numbers of several high-profile individuals. These included Gadkari, office-bearers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and other political leaders.The court was told that Pujari allegedly used these contacts to carry out a Rs100 crore extortion attempt. A key prosecution witness, Manjula Anandappa, described as Pujari’s associate and believed to have been in a relationship with him, stated that she obtained the contact number of Gadkari’s public relations office on March 15, 2023, at the gangster’s instructions. The accused allegedly used the number to make a threat call on March 21, demanding money.According to the prosecution, Manjula was drawn into assisting Pujari under the promise of marriage. She told the court that the accused exerted pressure on her, including threats involving objectionable photographs, to ensure her cooperation. Investigators further informed the court that her bank account was allegedly used in the extortion attempt.The testimony also flagged concerns about prison security, with the witness stating that Pujari had access to amenities such as TV and bed while incarcerated. The prosecution argued that these facilities may have enabled him to plan and coordinate the alleged crime from within prison.The case is being heard by district and sessions judge AK Sharma. Dhantoli police have registered serious charges against Pujari and two others. The trial will continue with further examination of witnesses expected.
