PANJIM: Three Maharashtrians, charged with demanding extortion of Rs 3 crore from PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar have been caught. They were picked up near the PWD Minister's official residence and are in judicial custody. In his complaint to the Panjim police, Pauskar alleged that he had received three calls demanding the extortion amount with the threat of defamation if he failed to pay heed to their demands. 

     The police tracked the call records and nailed at three persons Pradip Malik, Amol Swami and R Patil for the offense. The accused have reportedly confessed to the crime. However, the motive of the extortion demand is yet to be ascertained. Police said they are also probing if any other person is involved.