Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 04 February 2025
In a significant breakthrough, the South Andaman Police have dismantled an organized drug supply and sextortion racket following a well-coordinated operation led by Police Station Pahargaon. Acting on credible intelligence, the police apprehended multiple individuals involved in illegal narcotics distribution and a high-level extortion scheme targeting prominent individuals.
The operation commenced on January 6, 2025, when a team led by Inspector Mohd. Elias, Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Pahargaon, along with Sub-Inspector Manish Narayan and Constables Rahul Kumar Maurya, Shiv Kumar, and Reena, intercepted two suspects near a resort in Kamraj Nagar. The suspects were identified as Nazneen Khan (34) and Menka Singh (24). Upon searching Menka Singh, the team recovered approximately one gram of methamphetamine.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Assistant Superintendent of Police (South Andaman), Mr. Vikas Swami, IPS. A case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and Sub-Inspector Shivhare was assigned to lead the investigation.
Unraveling the Conspiracy:
The investigation quickly expanded, leading to the arrest of three more suspects: Dr. Javed Maricar (35), Shashank Puria (37), and Samrat (33). Technical surveillance and analysis uncovered a criminal conspiracy orchestrated by Nazneen Khan. The investigation revealed that Khan, in collaboration with Menka Singh, had devised a plan to falsely implicate a target in a fabricated drug case as part of a larger extortion strategy.
Further probing exposed a full-fledged sextortion racket spearheaded by Dr. Javed Maricar and Nazneen Khan. The syndicate targeted wealthy and socially influential individuals, including businessmen and politicians, across multiple regions such as Chhattisgarh and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Victims were coerced into paying substantial sums, often running into crores, under the threat of being falsely accused of serious crimes like rape and molestation.
Arrests and Continuing Investigation:
On January 31 and February 1, 2025, the police arrested Dr. Javed Maricar, Shashank Puria, Nazneen Khan, and Menka Singh following due legal process. The investigation revealed that the syndicate had extorted several individuals, many of whom succumbed to the pressure and paid large sums to avoid public disgrace.
According to the police, the syndicate carefully selected its victims, focusing on those unlikely to report the crimes due to their social standing, making them easier targets for extortion.
The Andaman & Nicobar Police remain resolute in their commitment to fighting organized crime and ensuring public safety. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests may follow.
The operation was conducted under the overall supervision of Mr. Vikas Swami, IPS, SDPO South Andaman.
Public Advisory
The South Andaman Police urge citizens to report any information regarding criminal activities. The public can share information anonymously by calling 112, 03192-232100, or 03192-236641. The identity of informants will be strictly kept confidential.
(This report is based on a press release issued by the South Andaman District Police.)