Two Arrested in Ranchi Extortion and Bomb Attack Case
In a significant breakthrough, Ranchi rural police have arrested two individuals for allegedly demanding extortion money from a local trader and carrying out crude bomb attacks on his residence in Basri village earlier this month.
The Criminal Complaint and Initial Attacks
The case came to light when the victim trader filed a formal written complaint with Thakurgaon police station on November 3, 2023. According to Ranchi rural SP Praveen Pushkar, the trader reported that unidentified criminals had been demanding a massive extortion amount of Rs 20 lakh from him.
The harassment escalated dramatically when the accused persons hurled crude bombs outside the trader's house on two separate occasions - October 31 and November 2. The criminals reportedly issued regular life threats to compel the trader to pay the demanded amount, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following the formal complaint, police authorities constituted a special investigation team (SIT) led by Khalari Deputy SP Ram Narayan Choudhary. The team conducted multiple raids across various locations in pursuit of the criminals.
The breakthrough came on Thursday when police received crucial information that the extortionists had instructed the trader to come to the Thakurgaon-Pithoria road to deliver the extortion money. Police teams immediately surrounded the area and successfully apprehended Abdul Rahim alias Pappu.
During the arrest, authorities seized mobile phones and a motorcycle used in the commission of the crime. In a subsequent development, investigation teams recovered materials for manufacturing crude bombs, including firecracker explosives, from a forest area near Bhatbodeya village.
The police operation continued on Friday with the arrest of the second accused, Mojib Ansari, from Bank More Chowk in Thakurgaon. Both arrested individuals are now in police custody facing multiple charges.
Evidence Recovered and Ongoing Investigation
Police authorities have confirmed the seizure of substantial evidence from the arrested individuals, including:
- Crude bomb manufacturing materials
- Two motorcycles used in the crimes
- Multiple mobile phones
- Firecracker explosives from forest hideout
SP Praveen Pushkar revealed that four other members of the criminal gang have been identified and are expected to be arrested soon. The investigation remains active as authorities work to dismantle the entire extortion network.
The successful police operation has brought relief to the local business community in Thakurgaon police station area, demonstrating police effectiveness in tackling organized extortion rackets in the Ranchi district region.
