TEZU,5 July: In a significant breakthrough, the Lohit District Police, in collaboration with the Namsai Police and 11 Assam Rifles, successfully apprehended two suspected ULFA cadres involved in an extortion case. The arrest was made following a meticulously planned joint operation led by Inspector J. Aran, Officer-in-Charge of Wakro Police Station, and Sub-Inspector A. Chandra, Officer-in-Charge of Chongkham Police Station, under the guidance of SSP Lohit Tumme Amo, IPS, and SP Namsai S. Thinley, APPS.
The suspects, identified as Chanchal Moran alias Rudra Moran (31) and Nirmal Moran (35), both natives of Horu Masai village, Kakupathar, Tinsukia District, Assam, were detained while attempting to flee after extorting an advance sum of ₹95,500 from the victim.
Incident Overview
On May 31, 2024, a shopkeeper in Wakro lodged an FIR stating that three armed miscreants had entered her shop late in the evening, demanding a ransom of ₹15,00,000 and instructing her to deliver the money at the Namsai Bridge. On July 3, 2024, the extortionists called her again from the mobile number 7085810228, reiterating their demand and threatening dire consequences if the amount was not paid.
Subsequently, a case was registered at Wakro Police Station under Wakro PS Case No. 04/24 U/S 308(5)/62/3(5) BNS Act’2023 R/W Sec 25(1B) (a) Arms Act’ 1959.
Joint Operation and Arrest
The coordinated operation commenced on July 5, 2024. Acting on technical inputs and prolonged surveillance, the joint team from Wakro Police, Namsai Police, and 11 Assam Rifles, successfully trapped the suspects in the Marwa area under Chongkham circle, Namsai District, as they were on their way to collect the ransom.
Items Recovered
During the arrest, the following items were recovered from the duo:
Extorted cash amounting to ₹95,500.
Two dummy AK rifles.
One 9mm pistol with a magazine.
One keypad ACE model mobile (used for extortion calls) with SIM number 7085810228.
One Redmi 12 Android mobile with SIM number 8761063299.
One Oppo A12 Android mobile with SIM number 6003487925.
One Pulsar 125cc motorbike with registration number AS23A J7685.
Investigation and Interrogation
The investigation is ongoing, with detailed joint interrogation to follow. The arrest of these suspects marks a significant step in curbing extortion activities and maintaining law and order in the region.