JEYPORE:AMID lack of awareness and police action, extortion of Puja ‘chanda’ continues unabated in the tribal areas of the district. Sources said criminals and some unscrupulous officials are extorting money from the locals in the name of Durga Puja.
The extortionists are apparently approaching business establishments, contractors and factories in Jeypore, Koraput, Semiliguda, Sunabeda, Kotpad and Borrigumma for taking money for the puja. The situation has turned worse with anti-socials and miscreants forcing people to give money for the festival. This has triggered panic among the locals.
Blame it on the lack of awareness or fear among commoners, the practice of extorting ‘chanda’ has increased. The victims hardly register complaints with the police to avoid any dispute later or out of fear.
Sources said about `one crore has been collected as ‘chanda’ for the Puja from various individuals and establishments so far. Even as the collection of money for Puja continues to affect locals, police are yet to take steps against the practice. Moreover, locals claimed that the administration has never conducted awareness programmes against the practice.In such a scenario, traders have appealed to the district Collector and the Superintendent of Police to look into the matter immediately.