Sadar Police, investigating the murder case of photographer Vinay, also known as Bablu Poonekar, have uncovered a shocking twist— the accused were involved in a blackmailing racket targeting Poonekar for the past two years. Simultaneously, it has been revealed that the shooter, Hemant Shukla, employed similar tactics of blackmailing with seven other persons in the city. The complexity of the case has left investigators shocked as emerging information sheds light on the motives behind the crime. A police official disclosed, “Accused Sakshi Grover (35) and shooter Hemant Shukla were extorting money from Poonekar.”

 

Further investigation revealed that Hemant Shukla had taken control of Sakshi Grover’s WhatsApp account, recording chats between Poonekar and Sakshi, as well as those with other persons. Shukla would subsequently approach these people, using the recorded conversations to extort money. Poonekar, too, fell victim to Shukla’s threats for financial gain. Last year, Poonekar had filed a complaint with the Cyber Police regarding threatening calls from Shukla, but no action was taken by the police at that time. A police official stated that monetary disputes were also a significant aspect in the murder case.