Berhampur, Dec 22: In a recent development, Berhampur Town Police have arrested two people accused of extorting Rs 70,000 by threatening a victim with a firearm. The accused have been identified as Shubham Majhi and Alok Malik.
Police seized a gun, a sword, mobile phones, and two TVS two-wheeler motorcycles from the suspects.
According to reports, the incident occurred on December 3 when the accused threatened the victim with a gun and sword to extort money. They also attacked the victim at various locations and damaged the victim's mobile phone. Additionally, the accused used abusive language and forced the victim to hand over Rs 70,000 at gunpoint.
Following the victim's complaint, Berhampur police launched an investigation and successfully arrested both suspects. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
Berhampur Superintendent of Police (SP) has issued a statement providing details of the arrests and ongoing efforts to address the crime.
Worth mentioning, two people were arrested on charges of extorting and deceiving a senior government official, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Bonai, out of Rs 4 lakh. The accused duo allegedly posed as Vigilance officers and demanded the money in two installments, threatening to implicate the BDO in false cases if he failed to comply.
The extortion scheme began when the accused hired a group and sent them in a vehicle to the government officer's office. The hired group waited outside the office while the accused called the officer, threatening him with a fake raid unless he paid the extortion money. Fearing the consequences, the BDO was forced to hand over the demanded amount.
The police launched an investigation after the incident was reported and successfully arrested the accused. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the extortion racket and are working to identify others involved in the scheme.
This case highlights the growing threat of such frauds where criminals misuse the authority of government institutions for personal gain.
