Mumbai crime branch arrests Bengaluru IT engineer over threats to Ayushmann Khurrana, Tusshar Kapoor

MUMBAI: The Mumbai crime branch has detained Vaibhav Mishra, a 30-year-old IT engineer, from Bengaluru for sending extortion threats to Bollywood personalities, including actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Tusshar Kapoor.

According to police, the suspect used the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to frighten the actors and demand money. He contacted the actors through Instagram.

Tusshar Kapoor received an audio message demanding Rs50 million as extortion money. The sender claimed to be Harichand Jat, alias Hari Boxer, an alleged member of the Bishnoi gang. Police had the audio examined by forensic experts. The voice did not match the samples on record for Hari Boxer, which raised suspicion.

Ayushmann Khurrana is also reported to have received an audio message from a representative of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, demanding millions of rupees.

The investigation began after the actors reported the threats. Investigators traced the suspect to Bengaluru with the help of a social media account and technical evidence. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Rajtilak Roshan confirmed the arrest. He said a transit remand would be sought from a court in Bengaluru to bring the suspect to Mumbai.

According to the police officer, the suspect has no link with the gang. Police initially suspect that he tried to exploit the fear spread after the firing on Tiger Shroff’s vehicle. Any link will be confirmed after questioning.

Police are also examining messages sent to other personalities.