Indian Actress commits Suicide over Blackmail from Fake Officers

An Indian actress committed suicide after two men posing as police officers harassed and blackmailed her.

The 28-year-old unnamed woman had attended a party with several friends on December 20, 2021.

The party took place at a hotel in Mumbai’s Santacruz West.

During the party, two men allegedly approached the actress. Claiming to be Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officers, they threatened to arrest her and her friends for taking recreational drugs.

They then demanded that the woman pay millions of rupees to settle the case.

The matter had a profound effect on the woman, who had acted in Bhojpuri films. She became depressed and after allegedly receiving numerous calls from the men, she took her own life.

Her body was found at her apartment on December 23, 2021.

Officers discovered her body after they received a phone call saying a woman was threatening to take her life.

Police registered a case and launched an investigation.

One friend explained that the men had demanded around Rs. 4 million (£39,000). They later settled for half the amount.

This left the Indian actress extremely stressed and depressed.

She panicked after receiving calls from the men, demanding her to hand over the money.

On December 25, 2021, police arrested the two suspects in Mumbai.

The men were identified as 32-year-old Suraj Pardesi and Pravin Walimbe, aged 28. They were charged with abetment to suicide, impersonating public servants, criminal intimidation and criminal conspiracy.

Deputy Police Commissioner Manjunath Singe said:

“The accused threatened to [charge] the actor and her friends in an NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) case.

“The actor and her friends pleaded that the case be settled, after which the fake Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officers demanded cash.

“They continued to call and harass her following which she took the drastic step.”

Police are continuing their investigation as they believe the suspects received help from two other individuals.

One person of interest is believed to be Asir Kazi, a friend of the Indian actress who was allegedly involved in the extortion racket.

In a statement, the NCB clarified that the two men in custody have no association with the agency.

DCP Singhe added: “More arrests are possible and further investigations are on.”

The actress was originally from West Bengal.

She rented the apartment and had been struggling financially after early success starring in Bhojpuri films.