3 fake Maoists arrested for extortion bid

Jeypore: The Jeypore police on Monday, arrested three persons from Bandhugaon area in Narayanpatna on charges of extorting money from contractors by posing as Maoists.

The arrested persons have been identified as S. Muralikrishna of Paralakhemundi, Talathu Hueika and Lokanath Pangi of Kelubada village.

As per reports, the trio had demanded Rs 20 lakh each from the two contractors in a letter pad akin to ones used by red rebels. The accused had also threatened to torch vehicles engaged in construction work if they fail to pay up the extortion money.

The two contractors informed Koraput SP about the matter following which the Bandhugaon police laid a trap and arrested the accused.