Extortion charge against BAYM leaders in Sivasagar

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

SIVASAGAR, August 25: Extortion is not new in Sivasagar. It is only now that things are going out of control at practically every level. Sivasagar is facing rampant extortion and the business community, especially Hindi and Bengali speaking businessmen, are mainly targeted by some leaders of so-called tiolist organizations whose real objective is to make easy money. The business community has also informed that these extortionists even threaten to level false allegations against them in case they fail to meet the demands.

Businessmen of Sivasagar town under the condition of anonymity alleged that some leaders of Brihattar Asomiya Yuva Mancha (BAYM), Sivasagar Town Committee have of late created a terror-like situation among the business community with frequent extortion demands.

Shopkeepers of Hospital Road, Dolmukh Charialai, Muktith Chariali, Station Chariali alleged that some leaders of BAYM demand money on a regular basis for purpose not known to them. Even small betel-nut shop owners, grocers, stationery shop owners and tailors are not spared by this gang of BAYM leaders.  

There are also reports that the extortionists have demanded a large amount of money from some owners of hotels, restaurants and lodges by filing RTI. These businessmen even alleged that they scared to approach the police due to nexus between the extortionists and some police officials. The situation has frustated the people, particularly the businessmen, and is fuelling distrust among other organizations also.

Talking to The Sentinel, Manirul Islam Bora, working president of Ujani Assam Muslim Kalyan Parishad said, “Some organizations come up pledging to work for the welfare of society and the people but in reality concentrate mostly on making easy money through extortion. Due to some so-called leaders of such organizations, image of other organizations has been tarnished. Such leaders should be sacked from the organization.”

In 2012, some leaders of BAYM allegedly threatened one physically challenged person of Desangmukh when he refused to give the money they had demanded.