A special court in Mumbai has discharged Riyaz Bhati, an alleged associate of gangster Chhota Shakeel, from an extortion case due to insufficient evidence. The case revolved around allegations that Bhati, along with Salim Qureshi alias Salim Fruit and others, conspired to extort a businessman during Bhati’s birthday party at a five-star hotel in suburban Mumbai in February 2021. The prosecution submitted 31 photographs from the party as evidence, claiming the extortion plan was discussed there. However, the court ruled that the photos did not provide even prima facie proof of any criminal offense or Bhati’s involvement in extortion, leading to his discharge from the case .

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