In a swift and coordinated operation, Ranchi police arrested two criminals for demanding levy from workers at a bridge construction site in the Garudpidhi area under Namkum police station. The accused, Sukhlal Munda and Sukhram Bhengraj, were apprehended following directives from DIG-cum-SSP Chandan Sinha.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, SSP Sinha revealed that the accused had issued a “party slip” to the site clerk, demanding payment in the name of Naxalite groups. The slip came with a warning to halt construction if the demand was not met. The contractor too had received threatening calls from multiple mobile numbers, warning of dire consequences for non-payment.
Taking serious note of the threat, police launched a detailed investigation. A dedicated team was deployed, which succeeded in arresting the two accused. During interrogation, the duo confessed to their involvement in the extortion attempt and also revealed the name of an accomplice who remains at large.
The SSP also disclosed that both accused have a criminal background, with 17 cases already lodged against them under the Crime Law Acts (CLAs). Their criminal activities extend to Khunti district, where they had previously threatened another contractor working on a bridge project in Bedahatu under Adki police station. In that case, they had also pasted a levy notice at the site.
“The police are committed to ensuring that development works, especially in sensitive areas, are not hampered by fear or coercion. We will not allow criminal elements to operate under the guise of Naxalism,” SSP Sinha asserted.
Further investigations are underway, and efforts are being made to apprehend the third accused. Police have also stepped up surveillance in areas witnessing ongoing infrastructure development, to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.