Two held for extorting “mamool” from Charminar pushcart vendors
HYDERABAD: Charminar police arrested two men for allegedly extorting daily payments from pushcart vendors near the Charminar monument, police said on March 13, 2026.
The case was registered at Charminar police station as Crime No.49/2026 under Sections 308(5), 351(3), 127(2) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following a complaint from a cosmetic pushcart vendor who alleged that he was threatened and forced to pay daily “mamool” to continue his business.
Police say gang demanded ₹500–₹1,000 daily from vendors
The arrested have been identified as Shaik Naseeruddin alias Mohammed Naseeruddin alias Ganna Naseer, 72, a juice vendor from Jahangir Nagar in Bhavani Nagar, and Md Azaan Quadri alias Toufeeq, 42, a petty vendor from Mirchi Khari Galli in Yakutpura.
Police said the two were apprehended on March 12, 2026 near Ruman Hotel in Mirchowk based on credible information. During interrogation, they allegedly confessed to collecting illegal payments from pushcart vendors operating around Charminar along with another associate, Azhar, who is currently on the run.
According to investigators, the group initially demanded ₹500 per day from vendors and later increased it to ₹1,000. Vendors were allegedly threatened with knives and warned to vacate their business locations if they refused to pay the increased amount.
Accused produced before court; search on for third suspect
Police said both accused were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Efforts are under way to trace and arrest the absconding accused.
Investigators also said Naseeruddin is a rowdy-sheeter at Bhavani Nagar police station and is involved in several criminal cases, including offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Arms Act, Gaming Act, extortion and attempt to murder.
Azaan Quadri is also allegedly involved in cases related to voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation.
The deputy commissioner of police, Charminar zone, appealed to petty vendors and citizens in the Charminar area not to succumb to extortion demands and to immediately inform police if anyone attempts to collect illegal “mamool” or issues threats. Strict legal action will be taken against offenders, police said.
