Blot On Khaki: Home Guard And His Two Associates Held Over Extortion Charges

Malkangiri: Despite stern message from top Odisha Police officials for bringing a change in the behaviour and conduct while dealing with people, a home guard was arrested on charges of extortion in Malkangiri on Friday. The accused has been identified as Bidu Shah.

Apart from Shah, two of his associates- Sujan Majumdar and Jagannath Mandal have also been arrested for allegedly trying to extort Rs 1.10 lakh from Anand Pangi of Katapalli village.

Shah reportedly identified himself as the inspector-in-charge and demanded the money from Anand who was allegedly involved in ganja (dry cannabis) trade. Moreover, he had reportedly taken Rs 10,000 as advance from Anand on December 8.

As per reports, on December 25, Shah along with two of his associates arrived at the residence of Anand in a four-wheeler to collect the remaining Rs 1 lakh. However, Shah and his aides fled the spot after some villagers gheraoed them and later lodged a complaint with Balimela Police in connection with the incident.

Later, Shah and two others were arrested based on the complaint filed by the villagers. All the three persons were arrested and produced before court yesterday.