Khunti- The banned extremist organisation People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) has resurfaced in Jharkhand’s Khunti district after its cadres opened fire at a stone crusher plant and demanded a ransom of Rs 20 lakh from the owner, officials said on Thursday.
The incident took place late Wednesday night in the Dugdugiya area under the Sadar police station limits. According to officials, armed militants fired several rounds in the air at the crusher unit, creating panic among workers, and later issued an extortion demand.
Preliminary information indicates that four armed PLFI members arrived at the site, intimidated workers by firing shots, and handed over a written threat letter to the staff present. The letter demanded Rs 20 lakh as “levy” and warned of serious consequences if the amount was not paid within the stipulated time.
The threat letter was reportedly issued in the name of Rajesh Yadav, who has been identified as a zonal member of the PLFI.
Confirming the incident, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Varun Rajak said he, along with Sadar police station in-charge Mohan Kumar and armed police personnel, immediately reached the spot after receiving information. The team conducted a thorough inspection of the area and recorded statements of the crusher unit employees.
Police said preliminary evidence has been collected and search operations have been launched in nearby areas to trace the extremists.
Security agencies are treating the matter with seriousness, especially after a joint press statement issued on December 21 by the PLFI and the Bharatiya Jan Mukti Morcha, announcing plans to expand their activities in the region. The statement had also mentioned the appointment of Rajesh Yadav as the zonal member for Khunti.
The incident has triggered fear among stone crusher workers, local traders, and residents, who have raised concerns over law and order and the renewed attempts by extremist groups to revive extortion networks in the district.
With inputs from IANS