MANGALURU: The body of Mangaluru businessman Mumtaz Ali (52), who went missing, was found in the Falguni river. It is concluded that it was a suicide.

Mumtaz Ali was blackmailed by some people. The family lodged a complaint with the police alleging that six people, including a woman, had extorted a huge sum of money from him. According to the police, Mumtaz Ali had indicated to his relatives that he would end his life. The Mangaluru police have registered a case against Rehamath, Abdul Sattar, Shafi, Mustafa, Sohaib and Siraj.

Mumtaz Ali's BMW car and mobile phone were found near Kulur bridge on Sunday morning. He is the brother of former Mangaluru North MLA Mohiuddin Bava.

The body was found by Ishwar Malpe who conducted the search for Arjun at Gangavali River in Shirur and national disaster response force (NDRF) personnel. The body was shifted to AJ Hospital.

More than Rs 50 lakh extorted

• The accused conspired to tarnish the image of Mumtaz Ali, who had been active in public life for more than 30 years
• Mumtaz Ali's brother Hyder Ali says the accused swindled money several times by threatening to spread the word that Mumtaz Ali had an illicit relationship with a woman.
• Apart from this, a cheque of Rs 25 lakh was also taken in writing. They were constantly pressurising Mumtaz Ali for more money.