The arrests were made following an operation launched after a doctor reported receiving extortion calls and SMS messages allegedly issued in the name of the outfit
Dibrugarh, May 10: Dibrugarh Police have busted an alleged extortion racket operating in the name of the banned insurgent outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent, ULFA (I), and arrested three accused of demanding Rs 60 lakh from a doctor in Moran.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Krishna Moni Chetia of Bahanibari in Khowang, Jintu Gogoi of Nohat Mazgaon in Demow, and Sanjay Gogoi of Muramara Thangaon in Khowang.
The arrests followed a police operation launched after the doctor reported receiving extortion calls and SMS messages allegedly issued in the name of the outfit.
Police said the operation was led by DSP (Headquarters) Nayan Moni Barua after information about the threats was received.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly sent extortion messages to the victim and later delivered a letter purportedly issued in the name of ULFA (I) under the banner of “Asim Axom”, demanding Rs 60 lakh. The letter was reportedly dropped near the doctor’s residence to further intimidate the victim.
“Based on information regarding extortion calls and SMS messages received by a doctor, an operation was immediately launched by Dibrugarh Police. During the investigation, it was found that the three accused had sent extortion SMS messages and also issued an extortion letter in the name of ULFA (I), demanding Rs 60 lakh,” a senior police official said.
Recalling the incident, Pabitra Borgohain, who serves at Moran Lengeri Model Hospital, said he first received repeated calls from an unknown number around 2 am on May 8.
“Since it was not a saved number, I did not pick it up. The call came thrice and then I cut the fourth one,” he said.
The next morning, he found two threatening text messages on his phone.
“The messages said they had dropped a notice at my residence and that I should follow the instructions. They also mentioned my daughter and son and warned me not to do anything that could harm the family,” Borgohain said.
He said he could not initially find any letter or notice outside his residence. On May 9, he kept his phone on flight mode and was unsure whether the callers tried contacting him again.
“Later, there were more text messages saying that I had moved closer to danger because I did not take them seriously. They demanded Rs 60 lakh,” he said.
Borgohain added that he eventually discovered an envelope lying in front of his house and immediately informed the police.
“As per my information, three people have been arrested. One of them, Sanjay Gogoi, was working on a contractual basis at the same hospital where I am employed,” he said.
Expressing shock over the demand, the doctor said he suspected the motive was easy money.
“Demanding such a huge amount from someone like me, who does not even have a nursing home or private practice, felt unreal and imaginary,” he added.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the trio may have targeted several individuals across Upper Assam using a similar modus operandi.
Police suspect the accused were involved in multiple extortion attempts, particularly in Dibrugarh and Sivasagar districts, by exploiting fear associated with the banned militant outfit.
“It has come to light that they were allegedly involved in extortion demands targeting multiple victims across Upper Assam, especially in Dibrugarh and Sivasagar districts,” the official added.
All three accused are currently in the custody of Moran Police Station and are being interrogated to ascertain whether more individuals are linked to the racket and to determine the full extent of their activities.
Police said necessary legal action has been initiated against the accused.
With inputs from PTI

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