Six loan sharks booked for seizing Ahmedabad music producer’s house despite repayment of over ₹1.6 cr

In a major loan shark case, the Chandkheda police have booked six men for allegedly extorting money and forcibly taking possession of the house of Ahmedabad-based music producer Mitesh Barot, even after he claims to have repaid more than ₹1.68 crore against loans of ₹61 lakh.

According to officials, Barot, who once ran a music channel named DMV, had suffered heavy losses in business in 2020 and borrowed money from local lenders at exorbitant interest rates ranging between 10 and 15 per cent per month.

Escalating demands despite repayment

In his complaint, Barot alleged that though he had borrowed ₹61 lakh, he ended up paying back nearly three times the amount, a total of ₹1.68 crore, including interest. Yet, the accused continued to demand more money, claiming an additional ₹2.20 crore was due.

The accused were identified as Anuj aka Karan Desai, Vishal Desai, Jigar Desai, Nikhil Rabari, Bhavesh Desai and Ishwar aka Ishu Desai. Police said the six routinely visited Barot’s residence, issued threats, abused his wife, and even filled inflated amounts in blank cheques to pressurise repayment.

Threats and forced registration

Barot further alleged that the accused forced him to sign documents on stamp paper and tried to get his house transferred into their name. On May 1, 2025, two of the accused, Jigar and Nikhil, along with others, allegedly entered his home, threatened to kidnap and kill his only son, and compelled him to visit the Naroda Registrar’s office, where they attempted to execute a transfer deed of his house.

At the time, the property was already under a housing loan, but the accused allegedly forced through a registered agreement regardless.

Police action and investigation

Confirming the development, ACP D V Rana (L Division) said: “The complainant had borrowed money from private lenders and repaid a significant amount, but was still being harassed. An FIR has been registered against six accused, and their criminal background is under scrutiny. The police will also reach out to other citizens who may have faced similar threats from loan sharks but are hesitant to complain.”

The FIR has been lodged under charges of extortion, criminal intimidation, cheating and criminal breach of trust. Police have launched an investigation into the role of each accused and their past records.

Wider crackdown on moneylending

Officials added that loan sharks operating in Ahmedabad have long preyed on individuals facing financial distress, particularly those in creative businesses or small trade. Police said more victims are expected to come forward in the wake of Barot’s case.

“This is not just about one house – it is about a racket that thrives on fear. We are determined to dismantle it,” a senior officer said.