Influencer Divya Shinde Booked Over Extortion and Assault Allegations in Pune

Pune police have booked Bigg Boss Marathi personality and social media influencer Divya Shinde, Anna Dhamdhere and others after retired doctor Vidyadhar Gaikwad accused them of demanding ₹5 lakh over alleged publicity for a cultural festival. Gaikwad’s complaint says he had already transferred about ₹50,000 to Shinde, but the group continued to seek the balance. The FIR alleges that Shinde and others went to Gaikwad’s home on September 24, assaulted him, damaged property and threatened him and his family; Gaikwad was taken to hospital for treatment. Police are investigating the allegations, which have not been established in court.
The complaint alleges that Shinde had not been officially invited to the festival and had no agreement with the organisers to promote it, but began seeking payment by calls and messages in August, claiming she had publicised the event.
The complaint says that on September 17 the group went to Gaikwad’s home while he was away and threatened his wife and son; on September 23, Dhamdhere allegedly summoned Gaikwad to a hotel and repeated the demand, threatening an assault at his home if he did not pay.
Police reportedly obtained CCTV footage from the residential complex as part of their investigation.
The case was registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections concerning alleged extortion, assault and intimidation; the Free Press Journal reported that eight to 10 others were also booked.
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