KOLKATA: In the first case of extortion in the name of Durga Puja donation collection, three alleged organizers have been charged by Tangra police for stopping vehicles and demanding money — anything between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000. Sources claimed the extortionists, who are local residents, mostly targeted truck drivers.
According to police, the three accused stood on 69, DC Dey Road, the main thoroughfare in Tangra, on Saturday and started stopping vehicles from 5pm. “We received multiple complaints and Tangra police raided the spot. We questioned and then arrested the three in this regard. A strong case is being built against them,” said DC (eastern suburban), Debasmita Das.
The accused threatened to assault people if their demands were not met, said local police, adding that besides extortion, other sections pertaining to threat have also been incorporated in the FIR.
However, members of two local Puja committees said they had no inkling why these youths had dragged their clubs’ name. “We have never indulged in any form of extortion. Nor will it be encouraged ever. But it is true that we are unable to arrange adequate funds this time and are cutting down on promotional and cultural activities,” said a Puja committee member.
In another incident, two men had allegedly barged into a school on Seal Lane in the Tangra area on Saturday and threatened school staff and parents with dire consequences. They also allegedly assaulted one person. However, no one has been arrested yet. Cops said they have identified the duo. “The school principal has lodged a case. The extortion was not directly linked to Durga Puja. The accused had demanded protection money for the festive season,” said a police officer.
Police said after the arrest of some extortionists in the past two months, incidents of extortion have come down in the city. Cops have prepared a list of more than 200 history-sheeters and anti-socials who might indulge in extortion during the Pujas.
According to police, the three accused stood on 69, DC Dey Road, the main thoroughfare in Tangra, on Saturday and started stopping vehicles from 5pm. “We received multiple complaints and Tangra police raided the spot. We questioned and then arrested the three in this regard. A strong case is being built against them,” said DC (eastern suburban), Debasmita Das.
The accused threatened to assault people if their demands were not met, said local police, adding that besides extortion, other sections pertaining to threat have also been incorporated in the FIR.
However, members of two local Puja committees said they had no inkling why these youths had dragged their clubs’ name. “We have never indulged in any form of extortion. Nor will it be encouraged ever. But it is true that we are unable to arrange adequate funds this time and are cutting down on promotional and cultural activities,” said a Puja committee member.
In another incident, two men had allegedly barged into a school on Seal Lane in the Tangra area on Saturday and threatened school staff and parents with dire consequences. They also allegedly assaulted one person. However, no one has been arrested yet. Cops said they have identified the duo. “The school principal has lodged a case. The extortion was not directly linked to Durga Puja. The accused had demanded protection money for the festive season,” said a police officer.
Police said after the arrest of some extortionists in the past two months, incidents of extortion have come down in the city. Cops have prepared a list of more than 200 history-sheeters and anti-socials who might indulge in extortion during the Pujas.
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