Manipur police’s anti-extortion cell arrests 121 people amid rise in complaints

Police say extortion complaints have risen since the ethnic conflict started in Manipur last year.

Since its establishment, the cell has arrested 121 extortionists. (File)

To counter the growing menace of extortion in Manipur, police have established an anti-extortion cell headed by the additional director-general of police (law and order). All zonal deputy inspectors-general of police are also members of the cell.

K Kabib, Inspector-General (Intelligence), said the anti-extortion cell was formed after the police received numerous complaints including from educational institutions and government employees about the rise in extortion after ethnic conflict broke out in the state on May 3 last year.

Since its establishment, the cell has arrested 121 extortionists including members of underground groups and gangs as well as 250 others indirectly involved in extortion.

The police officer further said that to ensure the safety of commuters and transporters along national highways, particularly those transporting essential goods, 16 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force had been deployed at strategic locations. Additionally, two CRPF companies have been assigned to escort transporters.

Several locations in Imphal have been identified as extortion hotspots, he said, adding that the police had ramped up frisking and checking operations in these areas.

The police officer urged the public to report extortion threats, assuring that investigations would be conducted without revealing the identity of the complainants.

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