Nagpur: A special court in Nagpur on Friday convicted two accused in the high-profile threat call and extortion case involving Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The case, investigated by Dhantoli Police Station, involved bomb threats and extortion demands made from inside Hindalga Central Prison in Belagavi, Karnataka.

The verdict was delivered on May 15, 2026, by the Court of Additional Sessions Judge-07, Nagpur, presided over by Judge Anilkumar K. Sharma, in Special UAPA Case No. 482/2023.

Threat Calls Made to Nitin Gadkari’s Office

According to the prosecution, the accused made threatening calls to the landline number of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s office using multiple mobile numbers from inside Hindalga Central Jail, Belagavi.

The callers allegedly demanded extortion amounts of ₹100 crore and ₹10 crore, threatening to carry out bomb blasts and kill the minister if the money was not paid.

The case was registered under Crime No. 78/2023 at Dhantoli Police Station, Nagpur, with links to another related offence registered as Crime No. 14/2023.

Links to Banned Terror Organisations Alleged

During the investigation, police seized a SIM card from accused Jayesh Pujari. Forensic examination and mobile verification reportedly uncovered messages containing phrases such as “Taliban Zindabad,” “TTP,” and “Allah Akbar.”

Investigators claimed that the accused had links with banned organisations including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the D-Gang network.

The prosecution further stated that technical evidence, including mobile call detail records (CDR), electronic evidence, bank transactions, witness statements, and digital communication records, established that the accused used different mobile numbers from prison to issue threats, demand extortion money, and conduct financial transactions.

Convicted Accused

The convicted accused are:

• Jayesh alias Jayeshkant alias Shahir alias Shakir Pujari
• Afsar Pasha alias Bashiruddin alias Khushiruddin Mohammad

A third accused, Mohammad Shakir s/o Mohammad Hanif, remains absconding, and a chargesheet was filed against him under Section 299 of the CrPC.

Court Sentences Under IPC and UAPA

The court sentenced both accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

The punishment includes:

• 2 years rigorous imprisonment under Section 385 IPC
• 5 years rigorous imprisonment under Section 387 IPC
• 5 years rigorous imprisonment under Section 506(2) IPC
• 2 years rigorous imprisonment under Section 507 IPC
• 2 years rigorous imprisonment under Section 10 of UAPA
• 5 years rigorous imprisonment under Section 13(1) of UAPA
• 5 years rigorous imprisonment under Section 18 of UAPA

Each offence also carries a fine of ₹5,000, with additional imprisonment in case of non-payment of fines. All sentences will run concurrently.

However, the court acquitted both accused under Section 20 of the UAPA Act.

Strong Technical Evidence Presented

The prosecution successfully examined 64 witnesses within one and a half months and presented extensive technical and electronic evidence before the court.

Special Public Prosecutor Vedika Patil led the prosecution and presented detailed oral and written arguments. WHC Sushma Bele assisted with court coordination and documentation work.

The investigation was conducted by senior police officers including:

• ACP Nilesh Palve
• PI Prabhavati Ekurke
• ACP Dr. Abhijit Patil
• API Kopre
• PI Ritesh Ratnakar Aher

Additional support was provided by PI Ramod and other officers associated with the investigation.

Police officials stated that the sensitive and serious nature of the case required swift and coordinated action, which helped secure the conviction in a relatively short period.