The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Extortionists strike it rich in the name of naxals

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 28, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Extortionists strike it rich in the name of naxals

By Vikram Sharma

HYDERABAD, OCT. 27. An unwelcome offshoot amidst the ongoing peace talks between the State Government and the Maoists is the sudden spurt of extortions in the name of naxalites.

Despite being in the know of things happening, the State police find themselves in a helpless condition, as none is approaching them for help.

It is learnt that many people including some successful doctors in the State Capital have already succumbed to the demands for payment of `party fund'. Police officials disclosed that about a month ago, a well-known gastroenterologist from the city had paid a hefty amount to some people who claimed to be members of a naxalite outfit. Though, the police officials were well informed about the deal, they remained mute spectators, as the doctor preferred not to lodge a complaint.

"It is not only the gastroenterologist, there is information that several city-based doctors have paid huge amounts to certain persons claiming to be naxalites. We do not know whether they are genuine naxalites, surrendered extremists or pseudo naxals," said a senior police official who confirmed that the money had indeed been paid.

Businessmen, realtors too

According to him, it was not only the medical fraternity who received extortion letters, but also a few well-known realtors and businessmen from various parts of the State.

Another police official, on condition of anonymity said that recently in Khammam district, some persons, alleged to be naxalites, called a few doctors for a meeting. "When the doctors refused to talk to them, they approached them again and demanded payments towards party fund. After this, the doctors had to part with the money," the official said.

Police plea

Another senior IPS officer suggested that those receiving extortion letters should approach the police so as to ascertain who was playing the mischief.

"As a matter of fact, everyone is fishing in troubled waters and unfortunately the extortionists are successful in their attempts. I wish they approached us since the identity of the complainants could be kept a closely guarded secret," he said.

Ironically, the Hyderabad city police has only 30 persons listed as pseudo naxalites operating since 1992, the reason being reluctance on the part of the victims to approach the police.

"No one knows how many people have paid the money to the extortionists as people fear to approach the police," officials said.

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