Dibrugarh: Following a joint operation by Moranhat police and 20 Assam Rifles on Saturday, two men were arrested in Charaideo for allegedly extorting money from residents in the name of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (Ulfa-I), officials said.Led by the deputy superintendents of police (headquarters and security) of Charaideo, the duo, Mohd Abdul Sattar of Dholbagan in Charaideo and Partha Pratim Barua of Nakhhat in Moran, was brought to Moranhat police station for interrogation.Preliminary investigations suggest the duo allegedly acted as intermediaries for an extortion network and made monetary demands in the name of Ulfa-I. Police are examining whether they acted independently or on the instructions of others.However, whether duo is connected with the banned outfit is yet to be established.“Two persons are being questioned to ascertain the extent of their involvement and identify others connected with the network,” a police officer said.Investigators are also working to identify other suspected associates and determine the scale of the alleged racket.The use of Ulfa-I’s name in extortion attempts have been reported in Upper Assam in the past, with security agencies arresting suspected linkmen and individuals allegedly involved in issuing threats or collecting money on behalf of the banned outfit.
