ITANAGAR, Apr 29: In a major crackdown on organised extortion targeting infrastructure projects, police in Lohit and Lower Dibang Valley districts have arrested four individuals and seized arms, ammunition, and incriminating documents.
The arrests followed complaints from officials and workers engaged in an NHIDCL highway project at Tidding in Lohit district and companies associated with the Dibang Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were allegedly extorting money from companies and agencies operating in Lower Dibang Valley and Lohit districts, reportedly in the name of the “All Arunachal Pradesh Reformed Delinquent Association (AAPRDA)”, citing the construction of an office at Chimpu, Itanagar.
According to police, the accused had earlier entered the highway project site armed with firearms and threatened workers with serious consequences if their demands were not met.
Based on credible inputs, the accused were traced to Roing and apprehended in a coordinated operation by Tezu Police with assistance from Roing Police.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ngurang John (39), Gangte Hamak (38), and Tai Apa (37), all residents of Kurung Kumey district, and Tassar Kossum (35) from Kra Daadi district.
During the operation, police recovered one pistol, one SBBL gun, one air gun, live cartridges, a magazine, and a holster. In addition, mobile phones, cash, documents, a diary, and other materials were seized.
Significantly, investigators also recovered a detailed list of construction companies operating across multiple districts, including Upper Subansiri, Dibang Valley, and Upper Siang, along with project details—suggesting a systematic plan to target development works.
Cases have been registered at Tezu Police Station and Dambuk Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. Following initial formalities, the accused apprehended in Lower Dibang Valley were handed over to Lohit Police for further investigation.
Police officials stated that strict action will be taken against those attempting to disrupt development activities, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of ongoing projects in the region.