Clad in burkha, the diminuitive Amina Abdul Razak Sheikh, a resident of Gopal Bhavan at Ghatkopar (W), was presented before mediapersons at the police headquarters today. But the demure exterior concealed a grim tale of how Sheikh mother-in-law of her co-accused Yunus Fakir Sheikh who was also arrested today zipped around the city with arms and ammunition for distribution among gang members.

Briefing the media, Additional Commissioner (North-West) Rakesh Maria explained how Sheikh, standing just 4ft 10in tall, would duck in and out of rickshaws and was usually accompanied by her grandchildren as a ployto deflect attention from the prying eyes of the police. He said she did most of the planning and collection of extortion money apart from coordinating gun-running activities for the gang. When she was arrested, Sheikh was in possession of a .32 calibre revolver and six live rounds. Police also seized Rs 1.3 lakh and gold ornaments worth Rs 2.12 lakh.

Apart from Sheikh and her son-in-law, who is the nephew of druglord and bomb blasts accused Ejaz Pathan, the Anti-Extortion Cell also arrested Uttamchand Kataria, a jeweller who along with his brother Dinesh provided information on potential targets, mostly jewellers, in exchange for 25 per cent of the booty. Imran Sheikh alias Mehandi alias Dilawar alias Hussein was also arrested.

According to police records, the gang was involved in three murders and two attempted murders in Mumbai since March this year. Most victims were jewellers including Kailashkumar Jain of Paras Jeweller at Dongri (March 8), former shakha pramukh Dattraya Sawant at Vikhroli (May 8)and Anilkumar Jain of V R V Jeweller at Dongri (August 5). The gang also shot at owner of Ambika Jeweller at Memonwada at Dongri on May 17. Other active gang members are Anwar Noor Mohammed Sheikh and Mujamil Mohammed Sheikh.

The gangsters owe allegiance to the Bahrain-based Ali Budesh and key associates Subash Singh Takhur and Ejaz Pathan. Takhur is at present lodged in Tihar Jail in New Delhi.