The word ‘Maoist’ spells terror in the region. So much so that people resort to crime under its garb. On Sunday, Komna Police nabbed two youths on charges of extortion by identifying themselves as Maoists. They have been identified as Sriram Kumbhar (20) and Rohit Kumbhar (17) of Kutribahal village under Komna police limits.
The duo had called up a dhaba owner, Dinesh Pradhan, on his mobile demanding Rs 2 lakh in cash and a truckload of rice. The callers identified themselves as cadres of Sabhyasachi Panda group and threatened to kill him if he refuses to pay heed.
However, Pradhan reported the matter to police and tracking of the mobile numbers led to the arrests. Komna Police IIC Pratap Tripathy said the two had made similar calls to Nuapada MLA Rajendra Dholokia in the past. Two mobile phones used in the crime have been seized.
Such incidents have become rampant in the region plagued by poverty, migration and lack of development. On June 11, the police had arrested Tularam Majhi (25) of Sialati village for allegedly demanding Rs 20,000 from a Livestock Attendant, identifying himself as a Maoist.
The problem is not confined to Nuapada district. On December 21 last year, Padampur Police arrested two youths of Bargarh district for their alleged involvement in an extortion racket posing as Maoists.
Though the Maoists have put up posters on several occasions distancing themselves from such crimes, there are many who have been using their proximity with the banned outfit to rake in moolah.
Admitting to the problem, Patnagarh SDPO Laxminarayan Panda said the police are on their trail and hope to rein in such elements.
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