Overview

• The crime branch detained Rao, 59, with two others including builder Mimit Bhuta after a fresh FIR based on a complaint filed this week.
• Officials say the builder collected funds for a housing project and failed to deliver, then allegedly enlisted Rao when investors demanded their money back.
• Investigators put the disputed amount at over ₹1 crore, with one report citing ₹1.25 crore.
• The intimidation incident occurred last year, but the complaint was lodged recently; Rao is to be produced in court on Saturday as the probe continues.
• Rao has 42 prior cases and was arrested in January in a separate extortion matter before securing bail in April, which police cite as evidence of gangs being hired in real-estate disputes.