In a shocking development, India cricketer Rinku Singh has reportedly been targeted with ransom threats from individuals linked to the underworld gang of Dawood Ibrahim. As per a report by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, Rinku’s promotional team received three separate ransom demands between February and April 2025, each demanding Rs 5 crore.
The police have taken the case seriously, given the nature of the threats and the suspected involvement of one of India’s most notorious underworld syndicates. Two men, Mohammed Dilshad and Mohammed Naveed, have been arrested in connection with the case. Both were initially hiding in the West Indies and were detained by local authorities before being handed over to India on August 1. Following their extradition, Mumbai Police began a detailed investigation.
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According to a TV9 report, one of the accused confessed during interrogation that he personally made a ransom call to Rinku Singh, demanding the Rs 5 crore sum. The police also confirmed that threatening emails and calls were sent to Rinku’s team during this period.
Interestingly, this case appears to be part of a broader extortion plot. The same duo is also accused of demanding Rs 10 crore from Zeeshan Siddiqui, the son of late politician and former MLA Baba Siddiqui. Police believe the threats to both Rinku and Zeeshan were orchestrated by the same network of operatives linked to the Dawood gang.
The Rising Star of Indian Cricket
Despite the off-field turmoil, Rinku Singh continues to rise in Indian cricket. He was the match-winner in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 28, 2025. Although he wasn’t part of the playing XI for most of the tournament, his last-minute inclusion in the final proved pivotal, as he held his nerve to score the winning runs under immense pressure.
Statistically, Rinku’s international career is still in its early days. He has played 2 ODIs, scoring 55 runs at an average of 27.50 with a strike rate of 134.14. In T20 Internationals, he boasts an impressive record – 54 matches, 550 runs, a strike rate of 161.77, and an average of 42.31.
Police Investigation Ongoing
The Mumbai Police continue to investigate the wider extortion network, and more arrests could follow. The involvement of an international crime syndicate has raised alarms, and security around Rinku Singh is reportedly being reviewed.
As the legal process unfolds, fans and the cricketing community have expressed strong support for Rinku, who remains focused on his game despite the distressing situation.
