The Sundarapuram police in Coimbatore arrested an autorickshaw driver who extorted money from a shop owner on the pretext of collecting donations for Vinayaka Chaturthi celebration.R. Uthayasuriyan (35), a resident of Muniyappan Kovil Street on Madukkarai market road, was arrested based on a complaint from H. Mansurali (45) of G.M. Nagar at Ukkadam. The police said that Uthayasuriyan met Mr. Mansurali, who sells bags and vehicle seat covers, at his shop on August 29 and demanded money for Vinayaka Chaturthi celebration arrangements. Uthayasuriyan allegedly intimidated and insulted Mansurali when he informed that the contribution would be given later. He also intimidated another shopkeeper and his brother when they intervened, the police said.According to the police, Uthayasuriyan left the spot with ₹500, stating that he would come to the shop again for an additional ₹2,000.The police registered a case against Uthayasuriyan for extortion and two other charges and arrested him on Monday (August 31, 2026). Published - September 01, 2026 08:34 pm IST