Lehenga Rage in Kalyan: Man Tears Rs 32,000 Outfit with Knife, Demands Rs 3 Lakh Ransom from Shopkeeper

A shocking incident of vandalism and extortion has come to light from Kalyan West, Maharashtra, where a man angrily tore a lehenga worth Rs 32,300 with a knife inside a clothing store and threatened the shopkeeper, demanding Rs 3 lakh ransom. The outrageous episode has left the local business community in disbelief and fear.

How It Began: Return Dispute Over Wedding Lehenga

The incident took place at a popular fashion store named ‘Kalakshetra’ on July 19, 2025.

• Meghna Makhija, a resident of Kalyan West, had purchased the expensive lehenga on June 17 for her wedding.

• However, upon reaching home, she was dissatisfied with the outfit and requested a return.

• The shop owner, Praveen Samtani, clarified that the store has a no return policy, but he agreed to let her exchange the lehenga for another garment of equal value before July 31.

From Exchange Offer to Violence

Meghna accepted the offer initially. But later that day, her fiancé Sumit Sayani stormed into the store.

• What started as a minor argument soon escalated.

• In a shocking move, Sumit pulled out a knife, slashed the lehenga on display in front of stunned staff and customers, and shouted:
  "I will tear you apart just like this lehenga!"

• He further threatened the shopkeeper, demanding a ransom of Rs 3 lakh, and warned that if the money wasn't paid, he would destroy the store’s reputation on social media.

Police Take Swift Action

Terrified, shopkeeper Praveen Samtani rushed to the Bazarpeth Police Station and lodged a complaint.
The police registered a case against Sumit under the following legal provisions:

• IPC Sections:

  • 352 (Assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation)

  • 324(5) (Voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons)

  • 351(3) (Criminal intimidation)

  • 425 (Mischief causing loss or damage)

• Mumbai Police Act Sections:

  • 37(1) (Prohibition of acts for maintenance of public order)

  • 135 (Penalty for contravention of prohibitory orders)

The investigation is currently ongoing.

Aftermath

The violent act, combined with the ransom threat, has shaken the local business environment. Other shopkeepers in the area have expressed concern about the safety of staff in customer disputes. Police have assured that appropriate legal action will be taken and no intimidation of business owners will be tolerated.

This incident serves as a serious reminder of how consumer frustration, if not handled with restraint, can spiral into criminal behavior with lasting consequences.