Extortion Racket Using Jana Shakti Name Busted

KARIMNAGAR: Police on Wednesday arrested and remanded a key member of a gang that allegedly extorted money from wealthy individuals by posing as members of the Jana Shakti group, and seized a country-made pistol, an extra magazine and eight live rounds of ammunition from him in Rajanna Sircilla district.

Deputy superintendent of police Nagendra Chary said the accused was identified as Dubba Madhu, 30, a resident of Utnoor in Nalgonda district. Acting on specific information, police apprehended him on Wednesday morning at Ramalakshman Palli village in Mustabad mandal. The arrest followed the investigation into an earlier case in which four other gang members were arrested on January 7 with a 9 mm pistol.

Police said the gang targeted wealthy individuals, real estate developers and persons involved in land disputes. By invoking the name of the Jana Shakti organisation, the accused allegedly intimidated victims and extorted large sums of money. Investigations revealed that Madhu, along with accomplices Sudhapelli Sudhakar and Boini Devaraju, who were remanded on January 9, planned to “settle” civil disputes through threats to make quick money. Madhu was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

DSP Nagendra Chary warned that the police would not tolerate public intimidation or illegal activities, and said strict action would be taken against those involved in unlawful settlements or possession of illegal weapons. He urged the public to report extortion attempts without fear.

Sircilla Rural CI Mogili, Thangalapalli SI Upendra Chary and other officials were present.