In a shocking turn of events, the Osmania University police have arrested four individuals for allegedly extorting Rs 5 crore from a local contractor while posing as members of the banned Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) or CPI(ML). The accused, identified as Salonka Prasad (36), Rathlavath Ravi Naik (29), Kammari Sheshappa (37), and Mandagula Sathaiah (37), were apprehended following a complaint lodged by the victim, G. Suresh, a contractor residing in Tarnaka.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jagan from the Osmania University police, the crime unfolded on September 26 when the gang sent a threatening message via WhatsApp to Suresh. In the message, the accused claimed to be Naxalite members and demanded a ransom of Rs 5 crore, threatening to harm Suresh's relatives if he failed to comply. When Suresh initially ignored their demands, the gang escalated their threats by sharing private details about his uncle, intensifying the fear and urgency of the situation.
Feeling increasingly threatened, Suresh approached the Osmania University police, who promptly launched an investigation. A special team was formed to track down the suspects, leading to their swift arrest. Police sources revealed that the mastermind behind the extortion scheme, Prasad, was facing significant financial difficulties, which motivated him to devise this illegal plan to extort money from unsuspecting businessmen and contractors.
The police are now investigating the case further to uncover any additional accomplices and to determine if this gang had been involved in similar crimes in the past. The swift action by the Osmania University police has been praised, as they managed to prevent potential harm to Suresh and his family while ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
