Kolkata, 07 August (H.S.) : Police have arrested two alleged members of an extortion racket operating in the Petrapole border area of North 24 Parganas, where they are accused of collecting money by falsely invoking the name of the police. Investigators are also probing allegations of assistance from a police personnel and possible political links.

The arrested men have been identified as Raju Debnath and Nimai Mondal, residents of Joyantipur and Uttar Chhaygharia under Petrapole police station limits.

According to the police, the duo had allegedly been extorting money from people in the Petrapole border region for a prolonged period by claiming police backing. Victims were allegedly threatened with consequences if they refused to pay.

Investigators said allegations have also surfaced that a police personnel had facilitated the activities of the racket. Following the allegations, the officer concerned has been dismissed from service, and a departmental inquiry has been initiated.

The arrests were made after a written complaint was recently lodged at Petrapole Police Station. Police said the accused had fled the area after the complaint was filed but returned on Thursday night, following which they were apprehended during a raid.

Police are also examining allegations that the accused maintained close links with certain Trinamool Congress leaders and used those connections to carry out extortion and other illegal activities. Claims that a share of the extorted money was passed on to political figures are also being investigated. These allegations have not yet been independently verified.

The accused were produced before the Bongaon Sub-Divisional Court on Friday, which remanded them to police custody. Investigators said further interrogation is expected to help identify other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged racket.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh