A youth has been arrested for trying to extort money by impersonating as a Maoist from a forest officer in the district.
It is alleged that posing as a Maoist, Roshan Kumar Khora had telephoned the Koraput DFO on October 7 and demanded Rs 10,000. He threatened him with dire consequence if he informed the police. Following repeated calls, the DFO lodged a police complaint. “His telephone number was tracked which led to his arrest,” said Koraput SP Awinash Kumar.
Kohra is a resident of Upper Kutinga village under Laxmipur police limits but for the past few days he was staying at a relative’s house in Koraput.
“During interrogation it was found that the youth had no links with the banned outfit and just to make quick bucks he identified himself as a Maoist because people seldom complain against the Red rebels to the police,” the SP added.
In the last few weeks, police in Rayagada district have arrested at least 11 copycat cadres for trying to extort traders and government officials. Two such cadres were also arrested from Malkangiri district in August.