In a major breakthrough, Sambalpur Police on Tuesday arrested six members of an inter-state gang involved in extortion under a self-styled Odisha Liberation Tiger (OLT) in Rengali area of the district.
The police also seized four crude bombs, a mauser, one single-shot pistol, 10 live bullets, two sharp weapons and seven mobile phones from their possession.
The main accused have been identified as Gaffur Pathan (40), a native of Ranchi. He was residing at Bhuyanpada near OMP in Jharsuguda.
The others include Brajesh Biswasi Nag of Jharkhand and Dilbahadur Ray of West Bengal? besides three locals Himansu Sandha, Surendra Behera and Biswajit Bhoi, all from Gulamal village under Katarbaga police limits in Rengali block.
Ray was residing at Ludhapali under Katarbaga police limits.
Addressing newsmen here on Wednesday, SP Nikhil Kanodia said the OLT came to the surface about three months back after they pasted some posters in Rengali Tehsil and other areas.
They had demanded ` 5 lakh from a rice mill owner, Ashok Agrawal of Gulamal village.
However, the police with the co-operation of Agrawal managed to nab the criminals from Rengali area while they were planning a dacoity.
Even though they had demanded extortion money from one businessman, Babulal Agrawal and an owner of a stone crusher unit, Fakir Rohidas of Katarbaga, the matter was not reported to the police, the SP said.
The hunt is on for Nausad and Idul from Jharkhand who are experts in making? sophisticated bombs.
