Marathi Actress Hemlata Patkar Arrested in ₹10 Crore Extortion Case

New Delhi, December 29, 2025: The Marathi film and television industry has been left in shock following the arrest of actress Hemlata Patkar (39) by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. Patkar, along with her associate Amrina Iqbal Zaveri (33), was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting a ransom installment of ₹1.5 crore from a prominent Mumbai builder.

The Origins of the Dispute

The case dates back to November 14, 2024, during an engagement party held at a hotel in Andheri West. The party was organized by a prominent Goregaon-based builder, Arvind Goyal (52), for his son. According to police reports, a heated argument broke out between the accused women and the builder’s son over the use of laser lights during the celebration.

The confrontation escalated into a physical scuffle. Following the incident, Patkar and Zaveri filed a complaint of molestation against the builder’s son at the Amboli Police Station on November 23.

From Legal Complaint to Extortion

Investigations reveal that the legal complaint was allegedly used as leverage. The duo reportedly contacted the builder, threatening to ruin his son’s reputation and pursue the molestation case unless they were paid ₹10 crore. After several rounds of negotiations, the amount was allegedly brought down to ₹5.5 crore.

Tired of the constant threats and harassment, the builder approached the Anti-Extortion Cell (AEC) of the Mumbai Crime Branch. Under the guidance of senior officials, the police laid a trap in the Lower Parel area on December 23.

Caught Red-Handed

The trap was successful. Hemlata Patkar and Amrina Zaveri were apprehended by the AEC team the moment they accepted ₹1.5 crore in cash—the first installment of the agreed ransom.

The police have since informed the court that Patkar is a repeat offender, with a prior criminal record at the Meghwadi Police Station involving charges of assault (Section 323) and criminal trespass (Section 452).

Connections to the Industry

Hemlata Patkar (also known as Hemlata Bane) is a known face in the Marathi entertainment circle and the daughter-in-law of veteran actress Archana Patkar, famous for her role as “Kanchan Deshmukh” in the popular TV show Aai Kuthe Kay Karte.

The police are currently collecting handwriting and voice samples from the accused to match them with threatening messages and recordings. There are also suspicions that the duo may have targeted other individuals in a similar manner.