Assam: Extortionists targeting shopkeeper in Arunachal held

Guwahati: Police apprehended two individuals for allegedly demanding money from a shopkeeper in Arunachal Pradesh's Namsai district, posing as members of the ULFA (I) militant group.

They were arrested on July 5 in Marwa village, located within the Chongkham circle of Namsai district. The apprehended duo, identified as Chanchal Moran (31), also known as Rudra Moran, and Nirmal Moran (35), both hail from Kakopathar in Assam's Tinsukia district.

Officials said on July 3, Wakro Police Station received a First Information Report (FIR) from a local shopkeeper. The victim recounted being threatened by three unidentified armed men on the evening of May 31.

These extortionists, claiming affiliation with ULFA (I), demanded a hefty ransom of Rs. 15 lakh and threatened violence if the money wasn't delivered at the Namsai bridge. The victim further reported receiving a follow-up call reiterating the demand and threats.

Based on the complaint, the Wakro Police registered a case under the Arms Act of 1959. Through their investigation, police obtained intelligence regarding the extortionists planning to collect the ransom.

Leveraging this information, a joint operation was launched involving personnel from the Namsai Police, Wakro Police Station, and Assam Rifles. This coordinated effort led to the successful apprehension of the suspects.

Police recovered significant evidence from the suspects, including the extorted sum of Rs. 95,500, two replica AK rifles, one 9mm pistol, three mobile phones with a keypad (ACE model) and a Pulsar 125cc motorcycle.