In a significant breakthrough, Hazaribag police have dismantled a criminal syndicate that was allegedly impersonating People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) militants to extort substantial sums of money from coal companies operating in the region.
The Elaborate Extortion Scheme
The gang, operating with sophisticated tactics, targeted multiple coal mining companies and transportation businesses through threatening phone calls and messages. Posing as PLFI operatives, they demanded regular protection money, creating an atmosphere of fear among business owners and disrupting mining operations.
Police Operation and Key Arrests
Following intensive investigation and surveillance, Hazaribag police successfully apprehended the prime suspects. The arrested individuals have been identified as key players in the extortion racket that had been troubling the industrial sector in the coal-rich region.
Modus Operandi Exposed
The criminals employed several tactics:
- Posing as PLFI commanders and operatives
- Making threatening calls to company executives
- Demanding regular protection payments
- Using multiple SIM cards to avoid detection
- Targeting both large and small coal businesses
Impact on Coal Industry
The extortion attempts had created significant security concerns for coal companies in Hazaribag, a region known for its substantial coal mining operations. Many businesses reported feeling pressured and threatened by the gang's persistent demands.
"This arrest sends a strong message to criminal elements targeting industries in Jharkhand," stated a senior police official involved in the operation.
Ongoing Investigations
Police authorities confirm that investigations are continuing to identify any additional accomplices and uncover the full extent of the extortion network. The breakthrough comes as part of enhanced security measures implemented to protect industrial operations in the region.
The successful operation has been hailed as a major victory for industrial security in Jharkhand's coal belt, reassuring businesses operating in the critical mining sector.
