Jaipur: City police are probing an alleged extortion attempt after a 45-year-old businessman received death threats and a demand for Rs10 lakh through WhatsApp calls and messages. According to the complaint, the first WhatsApp call came on June 23 around 2.22 pm. The caller initially claimed that some of his belongings were with the businessman. When told he had dialled the wrong number, he allegedly demanded Rs10 lakh and threatened to kill the businessman and his family if the money was not paid. Police said the caller claimed to have detailed information about the complainant’s family. The businessman ended the call saying he would arrange the money, after which the accused allegedly sent threatening WhatsApp messages for the next eight days. The messages warned that the businessman would not be spared for ignoring the threats and would face serious consequences if he failed to respond. According to the complaint, after one late-night message claiming the caller had reached Jaipur and was on his way to meet him, the windows of a car parked outside the businessman’s house were found smashed the following morning. The accused allegedly continued sending messages threatening to “make arrangements” for the businessman and promising him a “surprise” if he did not comply. Police have registered a case and are tracing the accused through the mobile number used for the WhatsApp calls and messages. Investigators are also examining technical evidence to identify the sender. Further investigation is underway.
