Five Arrested in Chhattisgarh for Extorting Money to Fund Naxal Activities

Five persons were arrested in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki districts for allegedly extorting money to support Naxal activities. The accused reportedly extorted Rs 60 lakh by imposing a levy on tendu leaf contractors. A probe revealed their involvement in funding travel for urban network operations of the Maoist organization.

In a significant development, five individuals were apprehended in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki districts on allegations of extorting money to finance Naxal activities, according to a police official.

Among those arrested are Sonaram Farsa, Vijay Jurri, Ramlal Karma, Rajendra Kadti, and Vivek Singh. These individuals reportedly extorted substantial sums from contractors by imposing a levy on tendu leaf collections in Bijapur, disclosed the official.

Inspector General of Police Rajnandgaon (Range) Deepak Jha stated, "They have been taken into custody." The detention follows an investigation triggered by the arrest of tribal leader Sarju Ram Tekam in April, who is accused of aiding Maoist activities. The suspects allegedly used the extorted funds for travel and operational expenses related to the Maoist urban network.