Howrah, 22 July (H.S.): The police have uncovered an alleged extortion racket operating in Howrah and arrested a senior official of the Howrah Municipal Corporation along with an office-bearer of a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Both accused were arrested during a late-night operation on Tuesday and were produced before the court on Wednesday.

According to the police, the case came to light after the owner of a hotel near Howrah Station lodged a complaint alleging that the municipal official accused him of constructing the hotel illegally and threatened demolition unless he paid Rs 50 lakh. The complainant also alleged that he was threatened with dire consequences if he failed to meet the demand.

Acting on the complaint, police launched an operation late Tuesday night and first arrested the municipal official. During interrogation, police identified and arrested his alleged associate, an office-bearer of an NGO, later the same night.

The investigation is underway to determine whether more people were involved in the alleged extortion network targeting hotel owners, private nursing homes and real estate promoters in the city.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey