Maha: Journalist, aide held for extortion in Palghar

The editor of a newspaper in Maharashtra's Palghar district and an associate were arrested on Friday for allegedly trying to extort money from a local factory owner.

Palghar police spokesperson identified the accused as 'Choupher Sangharsh' editor Kailas Rangnekar (38) and his associate Maruti Zunzuke (57), both from Vasai.

"Rangnekar and Zunzuke had approached the owner of a factory where 19 employees had quit. They are charged with demanding extortion money to the tune of ten per cent of the gratuity money of these employees. They also assaulted one employee," he said.

Katkar said a case had been registered against them at Valiv police station for extortion and criminal intimidation under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.