104 Persons Arrested Under Anti-Extortion Drive In Odisha’s Two Cities

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has arrested 104 anti-socials during its anti-extortion drive in one month of festival season.

Twin City Commissioner of Police Sudhanshu Sarangi had launched ‘Dada Bati Ku Naa’ (no to extortion) to prevent extortion in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar on October 16. An anti-extortion helpline was also opened by DGP Abhay on October 20.

Under the initiative, 43 cases were registered and 48 anti-socials arrested under Bhubaneswar Urban Police district while 49 cases were registered and 56 arrested by Cuttack Urban Police District, according to a TNIE report. Besides, 58 anti-socials involved in demanding extortion in the past have been identified for further verification, Sarangi said.

“Most of extortion activities in Bhubaneswar were found to be related to forcible collection of money by local clubs, associations and youths during sale and purchase of land and before the beginning of construction,” said DCP Umashankar Dash. Besides, extortionists were demanding money on a monthly basis from people running shops on government land.

“We are regularly reviewing the pending extortion cases and priority is given to submit externment proposals and reports under Section 110 CrPC,” said Dash.

An anti-extortion task force under the supervision of Additional Police Commissioner Rekha Lohani is in operation. While Quick Action Team (QAT) and the police officers are assisting the task force, people can lodge their complaints through WhatsApp, SMS and Telegram.