Marathi actress Hemlata Patkar extortion case: Archana Patkar reacts to daughter-in-law’s arrest, “My son has been separated from her, she has no..."

Marathi actress Hemlata Patkar extortion case: Archana Patkar reacts to daughter-in-law’s arrest, “My son has been separated from her, she has no..."

• Archana Patkar clarifies she is not linked to Hemlata Patkar's extortion case
• Hemlata Patkar arrested for allegedly demanding ransom from a Mumbai businessman
• Archana says her son split from Hemlata 4 years ago, divorce case still ongoing.

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Veteran Marathi television actress Archana Patkar, best known for playing Kanchan in the popular serial Aai Khe Kay Karte, has broken her silence after her daughter-in-law Hemlata Patkar’s arrest in an alleged extortion case sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.

Hemlata Patkar was recently arrested by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch for allegedly demanding ransom from a Goregaon-based construction businessman. She was caught red-handed while accepting the first installment of the extortion amount. Following her arrest, several photographs linking her to Archana Patkar began circulating widely on social media, triggering speculation and confusion among viewers and industry insiders alike.

Amid the growing buzz, Archana Patkar issued a detailed public clarification, firmly distancing herself and her family from the controversy. In a strongly worded statement, the actress said, “I have been working in this industry for the last 40 years. I have always done my work very honestly. But currently, I have come to know some news through the media. There is discussion about the one-and-a-half-crore ransom demanded by Hemlata Bane, and my name and photo are being used in it.”

She further clarified the status of her son’s relationship with Hemlata, stating, “My son has been separated from her for the last four years. Their divorce case is ongoing in court, so I will not comment further on the matter. Therefore, she has no connection with our family. Please do not misuse my name and photo.”

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According to police officials, the case dates back to an incident in November, when an argument reportedly broke out at a hotel in Andheri West during the engagement party of a builder’s son. The dispute allegedly began over the use of laser lights and escalated into a physical altercation. On November 23, two women involved in the incident filed a molestation complaint at the Amboli police station against the builder’s son.

Investigators claim that soon after the complaint was lodged, a ransom of Rs 10 crore was demanded to withdraw the case. The amount was later reduced to Rs 5.5 crore. Distressed by the repeated pressure and threats, the builder approached the Crime Branch for help.

Also Read: Who is Hemlata Patkar? Senior actor Archana Patkar's daughter-in-law who got arrested in Rs 10 crore extortion case

Following the complaint, the police laid a trap. On December 23, Hemlata Patkar (39) and Amarina Mathew Fernandes were arrested in the Lower Parel area while allegedly accepting Rs 1.5 crore as the first installment of the extortion money.

As the investigation continues, Archana Patkar’s clarification has brought some relief to her fans, who were concerned about her name being dragged into the controversy. The actress has reiterated her request for the media and public to respect facts and avoid associating her with a case she has no connection to, while legal proceedings take their course.