East Garo Hills police today apprehended two persons suspected to belong to a gang of extortionists that tried to extract money from a businessman in the name of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militant group.
According to police, a few days ago a demand note ostensibly from the GNLA was served to the businessman in Mangsang seeking an amount of Rs 50 lakh. The victim then filed a complaint with police in Rongjeng.
Police then arrested the two suspects, identified as Palkan N Arengh (23) of Mangsang and Rakban M Sangma from Aradonga in West Khasi Hills, in Hahim, which is close to the border with Assam in North Garo Hills.
The police operation was a combined one comprising the forces of West Khasi Hills, North Garo Hills and East Garo Hills.
“The extortionists had asked the businessman to hand over the ransom at Hahim Bazaar, following which they were caught when they came to receive the demand money. We have recovered the mobile phones used to contact the victim to demand money,” said EGH Superintendent of Police Bruno A Sangma.
“They have been brought to Rongjeng for further investigation. We cannot rule out the involvement of others and will only know after questioning is done,” added Sangma.
