Dibrugarh Police Uncover Extortion Scheme Linked to Banned Insurgent Group
Police Operation Leads to Arrests in Extortion Case
The arrests were made following an operation launched after a doctor reported receiving extortion calls and SMS messages allegedly issued in the name of the outfit
Dibrugarh, May 10: Authorities in Dibrugarh have dismantled an alleged extortion ring that was reportedly operating under the guise of the banned insurgent group United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I). Three suspects were apprehended for allegedly demanding ₹60 lakh from a physician in Moran.
The individuals taken into custody have been named as Krishna Moni Chetia from Bahanibari in Khowang, Jintu Gogoi from Nohat Mazgaon in Demow, and Sanjay Gogoi from Muramara Thangaon in Khowang.
The arrests were made following a police operation initiated after the doctor reported receiving threatening calls and text messages purportedly from the group.
According to police reports, the operation was spearheaded by DSP (Headquarters) Nayan Moni Barua after receiving information about the extortion threats.
Investigators revealed that the suspects allegedly sent threatening messages to the victim and subsequently delivered a letter claiming to be from ULFA (I) under the name “Asim Axom,” demanding ₹60 lakh. This letter was reportedly left near the doctor's home to further intimidate him.
“Upon receiving reports of extortion calls and messages directed at a doctor, Dibrugarh Police promptly launched an operation. The investigation uncovered that the three suspects had sent threatening SMS messages and issued an extortion letter in the name of ULFA (I), demanding ₹60 lakh,” stated a senior police official.
Initial investigations suggest that the trio may have targeted numerous individuals throughout Upper Assam using a similar approach.
Authorities suspect that the suspects were involved in various extortion attempts, particularly in the Dibrugarh and Sivasagar districts, leveraging the fear associated with the banned militant organization.
“It has been revealed that they were allegedly involved in extortion demands aimed at multiple victims across Upper Assam, especially in Dibrugarh and Sivasagar districts,” the official added.
Currently, all three suspects are in custody at Moran Police Station, where they are being interrogated to determine if additional individuals are connected to the extortion scheme and to assess the full scope of their activities.
Authorities have confirmed that appropriate legal measures have been initiated against the suspects.