World · India Bureau
Farmer absconded after impersonating slain naxal to extort money
A farmer in South Asia is being hunted by authorities after allegedly using the identity of a deceased naxalite to demand a substantial ransom from an unsuspecting victim. The suspect is accused of extorting ₹5 lakh through the fraudulent scheme.
LSN India ·

Law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt for a farmer accused of perpetrating an extortion racket by assuming the name of a slain naxal operative. The suspect allegedly demanded ₹5 lakh from the victim by falsely representing himself as an active member of the banned group.
Investigators said the farmer's scheme exploited public fears associated with naxalite activity in the region. By invoking the identity of a deceased militant, the accused attempted to create an atmosphere of coercion that would compel the victim into compliance with the financial demand.
The case came to light when the victim reported the extortion attempt to local police. Authorities have since registered a formal complaint and initiated a search operation to apprehend the fugitive accused. The investigation is ongoing as police work to establish the full scope of the extortion plot and determine whether other victims may have been targeted.
The incident underscores persistent challenges related to organized crime in rural areas, where criminal elements sometimes exploit the presence of insurgent groups to carry out illegal activities. Officials have appealed to the public for information leading to the suspect's arrest.