Mumbai, Jan 23 (IANS) - The Mumbai Crime Branch has apprehended D.K. Rao, a key ally of notorious underworld figure Chhota Rajan, along with six accomplices, for allegedly intimidating a hotelier in the city and soliciting extortion funds. The incident came to light after the victim, a well-known hotelier, reported the matter to the authorities.

As per the victim's report, D.K. Rao and his team plotted to take control of the hotel and demanded a staggering Rs 2.5 crore as protection money. They allegedly issued death threats to pressure the businessman into submission.

In response to the complaint, the Crime Branch filed an FIR under applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Police promptly took action, detaining Rao and his six co-defendants. All individuals are currently in police custody, with investigations ongoing.

According to police sources, this incident could signify a resurgence in extensive extortion activities by the underworld, which had considerably decreased in recent times.

D.K. Rao is a well-known figure in Mumbai's underworld, having been involved in numerous illicit activities over the years, including extortion and organized crime.

This marks the first time in years that such a significant amount has been requested as protection money. The police are probing whether the gang operated independently or under the guidance of a larger syndicate.

Currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail in Delhi, Rajan is one of the feared mafia bosses in Mumbai. He was initially arrested in 1979 for assaulting police officers. After his release, he joined the Bada Rajan gang and later sought protection under Dawood Ibrahim.

In 1989, Rajan fled to Dubai and Indonesia, where he remained a fugitive for nearly 27 years before being deported back to India in November 2015.

The infamous gangster is wanted in various criminal cases, including murder, extortion, smuggling, and drug trafficking.