The Commissionerate police on Monday arrested a youth on the charge of blackmailing a senior citizen of Baramunda under the Khandagiri police station.
The accused was identified as Badal Sahoo (25), a resident of Puri district. He allegedly threatened and extorted money from a former Government employee.
A former Forest Department official, Madan Mohan Mishra runs a fruit shop at Baramunda. Badal was his regular customer.
On November 7 night, the youth came with a woman to the fruit store and introduced her as his wife. Then, Badal requested Mishra to give them lift on his motorcycle to Khandagiri.
After Mishra crossed Baramunda flyover, suddenly Badal accused him of misbehaving with his wife and demanded Rs 10,000. Mishra fearing public humiliation transferred the money to Badal’s bank account. Later, he shelled out Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 on November 12 and 14, respectively.
On November 16, the youth again tried to threaten Mishra and demanded Rs 25,000. Finding no other option, Mishra lodged a case with the Khandagiri police.
Based on the complaint, police arrested Badal and produced him before a local court on Sunday. As his bail plea was rejected, he was sent to Jharpada jail in the city.