Maoists demand ₹8.5 lakh ‘levy’ from construction firm in Bihar

Police have registered an FIR on the basis of the complaint that suspected Maoists had demanded Rs 8.5 lakh as levy from the company engaged in construction of approach road to a bridge in Bihar’s East Champaran district.

A road construction company in Bihar’s East Champaran district has alleged receiving a levy demand of Rs 8.5 lakh from suspected Maoists.

Some motorcycle-borne persons threatened to blow up equipment of the construction firm if ‘levy’ was not paid to the CPI (Maoist). (File photo)

Pakridayal police in the district registered an FIR on Sunday on the basis of the complaint by Nutan Construction Company employee Sonu Singh.

In his complaint, Singh said some motorcycle-borne persons had visited the site of the construction firm and threatened to blow up its equipment if Rs 8.5 lakh was not paid as ‘levy’ to the CPI (Maoist). One of them identified himself as CPI(Maoist) ‘area commander’ Mithu Ram, Singh said.

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Nutan Construction Company is engaged in construction of approach road to a bridge on Patahi-Shikargunj road in the district

Additional superintendent of police (ASP) Vijay Kumar told HT that a team had been formed to identify the extortionists and nab them.

Unidentified callers had earlier demanded Rs 4 lakh from a jeweller of Chorma Chowk in Pakaridyal police station area.

Pakaridyal SHO Ashok Kumar Gupta said police were investigating the matter.