Two masked men entered KN Park Hotel on the Bhiwandi-Kalyan road on Wednesday and fired at the 25-year-old receptionist, injuring her right leg. She was taken to a private hospital, where she is undergoing treatment. The Kongaon police, who have registered a case, suspect the incident to be linked to the extortion calls the hotel's owner has been receiving for the past two to three months. Cops suspect Suresh Pujari's gang to be involved, as the duo left a chit with his name on the spot.

Extortion link?

The police said the victim, Swarah Shirsat, is a resident of Bhiwandi. Manoj Patil, deputy CP, Bhiwandi zone, said, "When the two men entered the hotel and fired a round, the bullet hit her right leg. We suspect the involvement of Suresh Pujari's gang in the incident. It may also have links to the extortion calls. We are in the process of recording statements of the hotel owner and other staff."

Scare tactics

The Kongaon police, Bhiwandi Crime Branch, and Anti-Extortion Cell of the Thane Crime Branch are conducting a parallel investigation. "CCTV footage clearly shows the men firing a round at the receptionist. They have left a chit with Suresh Pujari's name scribbled on it. Hence, the incident might have been planned to scare the hoteliers. A case has been registered at Kongaon police station under relevant sections of the IPC and the Arms Act," said a Thane Crime Branch officer. Prakash Shetty, the hotel owner, said that he had filed a complaint regarding the extortion calls at the Hill Line police station and had also given a letter to the Anti-Extortion Cell.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Masked Men Shoot At Mumbai Hotel Receptionist

The Kongaon police, who have registered a case, suspect Suresh Pujari's gang to be involved, as the duo left a chit with his name on the spot.