Anti-Extortion Cell arrests 121 extortionists

Imphal: In wake of the growing extortion activities in the crisis ridden state Manipur Police department has established an ‘Anti-Extortion Cell’ headed by the additional director general of police (Law and Order).

All zonal deputy inspectors general of police (DIGs) are members of this cell. They have tasked with monitoring and supervising the anti-extortion drives.

Fifteen teams have taken up anti-extortion drives. A total of 121 extortionists, including members of underground groups and gangs have been arrested. Over 250 individuals indirectly involved in extortion have also been arrested, inspector general of Intelligence, K. Kabib, told reporters here on Saturday.

“All the extortionists were arrested acting on public complaints.”

“The anti-extortion cell was set up following complaints from the general public, educational institutions, and government employees about the rise in extortion since last year May 3 incident (that ignited the present Meitei-Kuki crisis).”

The Manipur Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are making concerted efforts to curb extortion activities, the inspector general said and urged the public to cooperate by reporting any extortion threats to the police. “Identity of the complainant will not be revealed.”

He appealed to the public not to encourage ‘moral policing’ by groups other than police as many such cases have been found to involve extortion.

IGP (Administration) K. Jayenta said in recent months, some unknown miscreants have been involved in organised extortion activities. These activities have led to an increase in bomb threats, gunfire in residential areas, kidnappings, and other crimes, all reportedly escalating in a well-coordinated manner.

There is suspicion that arms and ammunition looted during the early months of the Manipur crisis may be used by certain groups for their vested interests, he added.

“Such activities could be easily prevented with public support.”