The presence of extremists in and around the Capital has always been a cause of concern because of their direct involvement in extortions, land deals and murders for levy. Now with success on their side, the police claims that the network can be destroyed and that can happen very soon.
Arrest of around 48 extremists from Ranchi and peripheral area in one-year is an indication of good team work but with demands of extortion still getting reported the network appears to be still alive and kicking.
By Police’s confession, Ranchi has been a green pasture for extortion business where organisations like People’s liberation Front of India (PlFI) and CPI-Maoist are encashing people’s fear for lives.
“Whatever facts have come out in confessions and interrogation after arrests we are working on that. Many people have been identified and we took actions wherever it was possible. We are following up rest and we are trying to break network like the way we destroyed their network in Bero and lapung,” said Ranchi SSP, Prabhat Kumar.
Police has been dealing with cases of extortion made by dedicated networks set up by notorious ultras and in the process has made a number of significant catches that includes seven CPI Maoists and dreaded area commander of PlFI Jetha Kacchap besides six other aides from different parts of Ranchi district.
Busting extremists and extortion racket is too easy but sympathisers and people having ideological affinity to extremists are big challenge for police to break.
The documentation and making a fool-proof case against those who just extend moral support often delays action on the part of police. Fear of gun in areas where groups like PlFI, CPI-Maoist thrive and operate from also dents Police’s fight against ultras nonetheless Police is likely to address the need to dispel fear on a priority basis.
“People are not feeling free to share information and it is not possible that local people do not know who is coming in their area. But they don’t have confidence and we are working on priority to make them confident to get direct information,” added the Ranchi SSP.
Even as Police are patting its back for significant catches made in last one-year it is yet to put up a surveillance mechanism to keep track of people settling in Ranchi and flocking the Capital for work of all sorts.
Tenant verification was one effective mechanism to track people setting up bases with nefarious intentions however the plan has been confined to files. Surprisingly, verification is claimed to be done during festivals when large movement usually occurs.
“Tenant verification is done during important festivals like Holi, therefore, we will do it. But it could not be done in a regular way. I have asked all DSPs and this time we will definitely ensure that is followed. We will definitely do it this time,” maintained Kumar. Police claim that the network of banned outfits were also weakened by busting local gangs as some of local gangsters were linked to the outfits creating fear in businessmen and land dealers.