Youth Cong Gen Sec expelled following arrest on extortion charges

Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district Youth Congress Committee has expelled its district general secretary, Nizam, following his arrest by the Urwa police in connection with a extortion case.

District Youth Congress president Ibrahim Nawaz stated that Nizam has been removed not only from his organisational post but also from the primary membership of the Youth Congress. The action was taken over his alleged involvement in anti-social activities, which, according to the party, have tarnished its image and violated its disciplinary standards.

Nawaz said the Youth Congress would not tolerate any activity that goes against the party’s interests and principles. He further warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found engaging in similar acts, stressing the organisation’s commitment to maintaining discipline within its ranks.

Two people, including Nizam alias Ibrahim, were arrested after a contractor alleged that two employees of his company blackmailed him, threatened his life and extorted Rs 2.7 crore. Source said that the ordeal began in Jan 2024, when Jitesh, an employee of the complainant’s company, allegedly called him and sent obscene photographs linked to an illicit relationship, claiming he also possessed videos. Jitesh allegedly demanded Rs 35 lakh and threatened to make the material public and send it to the complainant’s wife.

Fearing reputational damage, the complainant met Jitesh at a hotel, where he was allegedly threatened again. The complainant then handed over two cheques of Rs 10 lakh each and another cheque for Rs 15 lakh. Jitesh allegedly encashed the two Rs 10 lakh cheques, while the Rs 15 lakh cheque bounced due to insufficient funds.

In May, Jitesh allegedly visited the complainant’s house and demanded more money. The complainant then informed Nizam, another employee of his company, who reportedly took Jitesh away. About a week later, Nizam allegedly told the complainant that Jitesh had died by suicide after naming him in a suicide note. He allegedly threatened that the note would lead to a criminal case against the complainant if it became public.

Using this claim, Nizam allegedly collected Rs 2.5 crore from the complainant in multiple instalments. The complainant later spotted Jitesh alive in Mangaluru and questioned Nizam, who allegedly threatened him again. Police said Jitesh allegedly made another demand of Rs 10 lakh on June 1, prompting the complainant to approach the police.

Meanwhile, pictures of Nizam along with top Congress functionaries including chief minister DK Shivakumar have gone viral.

BJP Yuva Morcha district president Nandan Mallya condemned the incident and called on Mangaluru police to conduct a thorough investigation and take stringent action against the accused. He also urged the police not to succumb to any pressure while pursuing the case.