Maoists extort money even from poor farmers, say Jharkhand Police

In a shocking revelation, a senior police officer in Bokaro has said that Maoists are not even sparing poor farmers while extorting money, and, they kill those who do not pay up.

Recently, Maoists killed six villagers in Khunti district of Jharkhand when they failed to follow their diktat.

The incident took place in the Murhu Block.

Murari Lal Meena, Inspector General of Police, North Chhotanagpur Zone, Jharkhand, said: "There have been some incidents where Maoists have even fought with farmers for the payment of illegal taxes. They claim to be the protector of farmers' rights, but they kill poor farmers and extort money from them."

Illegal taxes and extortion from businessmen, government contractors, and mine operators are the main sources of income for the Naxals.

This has exposed the real face of Naxals who claim to represent the interests of the people.

"The Maoists terrorise people and resort to killing innocent people to extort money. If someone refuses to pay up, they are killed. Every day under construction government buildings and bridges are blown up by them. They've not even spared school buildings. They consider extorting money their right," Meena adds.

Meena also added that the money extorted by Naxals is used for anti-people activities including purchasing sophisticated weapons and organizing camps.

"As far as their expenditure is concerned, it is very simple observation that they use the money for cadre maintenance, organizing camps, purchase of arms and ammunition, etc. The money is also distributed to their higher leadership," Meena said.

Naxalism has spread to nearly 203 of India's 708 police districts and the Naxals have consistently been killing innocent people and security personnel.