Farmer on the run after using slain naxal’s name to extort ₹5 lakh

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The Pavagada police are on a manhunt for a farmer who allegedly used the name of a late Naxal to threaten another farmer and demand ₹5 lakh as ransom.

The accused, identified as Venkatesh, resident of Kanikala bande village, allegedly sent a threatening letter to fellow farmer Hiriyanna in the name of Devanna Dalam, a Naxal leader from Andhra Pradesh who died a few years ago. In the letter, Hiriyanna was allegedly warned to pay ₹5 lakh to Venkatesh or face dire consequences.

Police suspect that Venkatesh resorted to the threat to intimidate Hiriyanna following a land dispute between the two farmers. Investigators believe he deliberately invoked the name of the Naxal group to make the threat appear genuine and instil fear in his rival.

Based on a complaint filed by Hiriyanna, Pavagada police have registered a case of extortion and launched an investigation to trace Venkatesh, who is currently absconding.

According to police, Venkatesh, who is the husband of a Gram Panchayat president, is a habitual offender with several cases pending against him.

The police are conducting a search to nab him and ascertain whether he has used similar tactics to threaten or extort others.

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