8 fake Maoists held in Rayagada

Rayagada: Police busted a gang of eight persons including a woman for extorting money posing as fake Maoists in the district.

According to police, the gang had unleashed terror by making calls to different persons in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts asking them for money since a long time.

“After their release from jail, the gang members masquerading as Maoists were collecting money mostly from Government employees, businessmen and contractors in the region,” said SDPO Jaganath Rao.

All the arrested hail from Kashipur and Kalyansinghpur. A few mobile phones, SIM cards and other objectionable items have been seized from their possession.

Police said the accused are being interrogated and soon a manhunt would be launched to nab their other associates.