The probe into the issue began after three motorcycle-borne persons fired at the home of industrialist Dilip Rathore in Bhilgaon under Kasrawad police station limits here on March 16 and then sought Rs 10 crore as extortion from him the next day, the official said.

“The Rs 10 crore extortion demand was made through a WhatsApp call from a foreign number. The callers had claimed they were part of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. They had also sent a video of the shooting at the industrialist’s home," the official said.

Fifteen persons, including one Rajpal Chandrawat, have been arrested, while three cars, one motorcycle, four pistols, 10 cartridges, 10 mobile phones, and Rs 44 lakh cash were seized from them, he said.

The probe has revealed that masterminds are Ujjain resident Lokendra Panwar and Dhar resident Sachin Patidar, who had a financial dispute with the industrialist, the official said.

“Six special teams were formed to solve the case. The arrests were made based on CCTV footage, technical evidence, and tip-offs. There is also involvement of persons from Gujarat, Haryana, and Rajasthan," said Superintendent of Police Ravindra Verma.

An FIR has also been registered against gangster Harry Boxer, who is believed to be abroad, the SP added.

Several of the arrested accused already have serious criminal cases registered against their names, he said, adding that efforts are on to nab those on the run.