Three criminals collecting extortion money in the name of Maoist guerrillas were on Tuesday arrested in Jharkhand's Palamau district.

"Three criminals have been arrested with weapons. They were involved in extorting money in the name of two Maoist groups. The criminals belong to the gang extorting money in the name of Maoists," said Palamau SP Indrajeet Mahta told reporters.

They were arrested while trying to escape at Bhairopur village of Palamau district. The police seized three pistols, one rifle and mobile phones from them.

The arrested criminals used to put out pamphalets and posters in the name of Maoists to create panic among the contractors.

--IANS

ns/nir

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