Mumbai, September 26: Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya has filed a complaint with the Navghar police in Mumbai, alleging extortion. He claimed to have received an email from an unknown sender demanding Rs 50 lakh in exchange for not releasing an explicit video featuring him. The video had previously been aired by the Marathi channel Lokshahi on July 17, causing a major controversy. According to multiple reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the extortion case.

Somaiya, in his FIR, emphasised his track record of exposing corrupt individuals and cooperating with various law enforcement agencies. The threatening email was received by his office secretary, who promptly informed him of its contents. The email, purportedly sent by someone named Rushikesh Shukla, warned Somaiya that a more explicit video was in possession and could be made public if the demanded amount was not paid. It also offered the alternative of becoming "famous" once again. Kirit Somaiya Recorded Porn Video and Circulated It, Alleges Lawyer Nitin Satpute; Writes to Mumbai Police Seeking Registration of FIR Against BJP Leader.

The threat email stated, "Regarding your natural beauty without any clothing, I possess explicit videos of you. The previous leak was just a preview. The actual movie is still pending. To prevent the release of this movie, you must pay Rs 50 lakh. Alternatively, you can choose to become famous once again. Ultimately, your desire will be fulfilled if you do not respond, and the movie will be made public." The cybercrime division of the Navghar police is actively working to trace the IP address of the email sender. Kirit Somaiya 'Sex Video' Row: Lokshahi News Channel Back on Air After Delhi High Court Stays Suspension Order by MIB.

In a related development, in response to allegations of sexual harassment and the controversial video's release, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a high-level inquiry in July, with the Mumbai crime branch handling the investigation. Recently, on September 6, the Mumbai Police's cyber cell registered a case against the editor-in-chief of a Marathi news channel and a YouTuber under defamation charges and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act for broadcasting the compromising video of Somaiya.

However, no arrests have been made in that case either. Furthermore, on Friday, September 22, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry ordered a 72-hour shutdown of the Marathi news channel for broadcasting the video. The Delhi High Court, on Saturday, September 23, allowed the channel to resume broadcasting while listing the case for further hearings later in the week.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2023 08:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).