NIA Raids Expose PLFI Extortion and Terror Network in Jharkhand

The NIA conducted searches in Jharkhand's Khunti district uncovering a PLFI extortion and terror racket. Incriminating items were seized and key associate Shankar Yadav was chargesheeted. The case involves extortion from coal traders and violent activities across multiple states.

On Wednesday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched raids at two locations in Khunti district, Jharkhand, as part of an investigation into a People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) extortion and terror network.

The agency reported that searches at the homes of suspects linked to the banned Naxal faction led to the seizure of numerous incriminating digital devices and documents. The racket involved extortion of money from coal traders, transporters, railway contractors, and businessmen across Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

These PLFI cadres were also planning terrorist activities such as murders, arson, and violent attacks to instill fear among entrepreneurs and contractors. The agency recently chargesheeted Shankar Yadav, a key associate of the jailed gangster Aman Sahu, for his role in firing, extortion, and arson at a coal mine in Latehar, Jharkhand. Yadav, the 25th person to be chargesheeted, helped Sahu channel extorted funds through shell companies, and a raid in February 2024 resulted in the seizure of Rs 1.30 crore in cash.

(With inputs from agencies.)