Northeast Desk, 6th July: The Arunachal Pradesh Police arrested two individuals from Assam’s Tinsukia district on July 5 for their involvement in extortion activities linked to the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) in Namsai district. The arrest took place in Marwa, under Chongkham circle, after they demanded a ransom of Rs 15 lakhs from a shopkeeper under the ULFA banner.
The suspects were apprehended while attempting to escape after extorting an advance sum of Rs 95,500 from the victim. Police seized the extorted cash, two dummy AK rifles, one 9 mm pistol, a keypad ACE model mobile, two mobile phones, and a Pulsar 125 cc motorbike bearing registration number AS23A J7685 from their possession.
The joint operation involved Namsai Police, Wakro Police Station, and support from 11 Assam Rifles, Namsai. The team was led by OC PS Wakro Inspector J. Aran, OC PS Chongkham SI A. Chandra, under the direction of SSP Lohit Tumme Amo and SP Namsai S. Thinley.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Chanchal Moran (31), also known as Rudra Moran, a surrendered ULFA cadre, and Nirmal Moran (35). Both are residents of Kakupathar, Tinsukia district.
The incident came to light when Wakro Police received a written FIR from a shopkeeper on July 3, reporting that three armed miscreants had entered her shop on the evening of May 31, demanding a ransom of Rs 15 lakhs. They directed her to deliver the money at Namsai bridge and reiterated their demand later, threatening severe consequences. Consequently, Wakro PS registered the case under the Arms Act 1959.
The extortionists, who instilled fear of death in the victim, were apprehended after receiving information about their plans to collect the ransom.
Read More: Arunachal Deputy Commissioner Inspects NH-415 Amid Landslide Threats