Rithvik Dhanjani AT #35 - Our Rockstar Host - Page 72

"Nach Baliye 7" hosts Rithvik Dhanjani and Karan Patel landed themselves in legal trouble a few days ago after a video clip reportedly showed them insulting national heroes. Turns out, it was all done in jest and was a fun moment between the anchors and unit members.

However, according to Daily Bhaskar, a certain Amit Warik blackmailed the TV actors threatening to circulate the controversial video if his demands (Rs 20 lakh) aren't met. The extortionist was arrested on Tuesday evening, bringing the ordeal to an end.

Talking to the popular daily, Karan Singh, President, SMMARDS, said the the racketeer was trapped in his own plan and successfully taken into police custody.

"They both are like brothers to me and I wanted to help them out in every possible manner. Finally, we planned to trap this person with the help of Mumbai police. I accepted Amit's proposal and asked him to collect the money from me. He believed me and as soon as he reached the venue; he was arrested by the police," he further elaborated.

Singh also added how the two were engaged in a light banter adding everyone has the right to voice their opinions.

However, Patel and Dhanjani haven't spoken about the incident.

http://www.ibtimes.co.in/karan-patel-ritvik-dhanjani-legal-trouble-man-arrested-blackmailing-nach-baliye-7-hosts-640048

Mumbai: A man, who had demanded ransom from two hosts of the dance reality show 'Nach Baliye', was arrested here on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Amit Barik (32), was arrested by sleuths of Anti Extortion Cell of the crime branch from Oshiwara while accepting Rs 15 lakh, police said.

According to police, Barik had shot a video of Karan Patel and Ritvik Dhanjani, the hosts of TV show 'Nach Baliye', while mimicking (off-screen) some political leaders in an "objectionable" manner. He then filed a case against them at Arey Colony police station.

"After filing the case, Barik started threatening the duo that if they did not shell out Rs 25 lakh, he would release the video to the media," said DCP (Detection) Dhananjay Kulkarni.

Fed up with frequent extortion calls, the victims approached a friend who runs an NGO. This friend met Barik, introducing himself as a retired army officer, and requested him to show leniency because the victims had apologised for the mimicry, police said.

However, Barik threatened the victim's friend and asked for ransom from him too.

On Tuesday, the trio approached the police and lodged a complaint, after which the crime branch sleuths laid a trap at Oshiwara bus depot and arrested Barik red-handed while taking Rs 15 lakh which was the first instalment of the ransom.

Barik had some cases registered against him in neighbouring Thane district too, police said.