Court Closes Extortion Case in Mumbai

A special Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court in Mumbai has accepted the closure report regarding an extortion case against businessman and hotelier Jitendra Navlani, also known as Jitu. The case stemmed from allegations made by Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on March 8, 2022, claiming that Navlani, along with three Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, was involved in an extortion racket targeting local businessmen. The ACB initiated an investigation on May 5, 2022, filing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, alleging that Navlani extorted approximately Rs58.96 crore from various businessmen between 2015 and 2021. The complaint suggested that Navlani misled his targets by claiming to have influential connections within the ED. During the investigation, the ACB recorded statements from the affected businessmen, who also submitted affidavits to the Bombay High Court contesting the case against Navlani. In its closure report, the ACB concluded that the financial transactions between Navlani and the 39 private companies involved were legitimate business dealings. The agency found no evidence indicating that Navlani had misused his position or influence to acquire funds unlawfully. Furthermore, the investigation did not uncover any involvement of ED officials in the alleged extortion scheme. Navlani, who owns the Dirty Buns pub in south Mumbai and is linked to another establishment in Lower Parel, has previously faced scrutiny, including an FIR for obstructing police duties in 2019. He reportedly resisted police action against his pub, citing connections with former top cop Param Bir Singh.