In a brazen act of extortion, cadres of the banned People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) opened fire at a stone crusher unit in Jharkhand’s Khunti district, demanding a staggering Rs 20 lakh. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday night in the Dugdugiya area under Sadar police station, has sent shockwaves through the local business community.

Armed militants reportedly arrived at the stone crusher site and fired several rounds in the air, instilling fear among the workers. Following the intimidation, a written threat was delivered, demanding the substantial sum as ‘levy’ and warning of severe repercussions if the payment was not made promptly. The demand was allegedly issued in the name of Rajesh Yadav, identified as a zonal member of the PLFI.

Local authorities, including Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Varun Rajak and Sadar police station in-charge Mohan Kumar, swiftly responded to the incident. A thorough inspection of the site was conducted, and statements from employees were recorded. Police have collected preliminary evidence and launched search operations in the surrounding areas to apprehend the perpetrators.

The incident gains further significance following a recent joint statement by the PLFI and the Bharatiya Jan Mukti Morcha on December 21, signaling an intent to expand their regional activities. This statement also announced the appointment of Rajesh Yadav as the zonal member for Khunti, underscoring the group’s organizational efforts.

The renewed extremist activity has sparked considerable fear among stone crusher workers, traders, and residents, raising serious concerns about the resurgence of extortion rackets in the district and the overall law and order situation.