Crackdown on extortion gangs: Three pistols recovered

Police crackdown on extortion gangs in Tripura’s Sepahijala district led to recovery of as many as three pistols from Murabari area of Bishalgarh. 

Police said further investigation was underway to track, detect and neutralize the criminal syndicates operating here by letting loose a reign of terror. The recovery of the firearms were made close on the heels of the arrest of fugitive gangster Ranabir Debnath and Parimal Das. 

Speaking on the issue, Sepahijala Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma said two cases of extortion were registered on March 21 based on complaints by Anup Saha and Chandan Debnath.

“We have arrested multiple persons in connection with the case, including Ranabir Debnath, who was absconding since the case was registered. His name was in the police complaint and the extortion racket was reportedly being run under him,” Debbarma said.

He said Debnath was produced before a court and remanded to police custody for interrogation.

During questioning, the name of another accused, Parimal Das, surfaced, leading to further action.

“Two firearms were seized based on Parimal Das’s confession. Ranabir’s interrogation also led to recovery of another pistol. A total of three pistols have been recovered so far,” the SP said.

Police said Parimal Das was also named in the FIR related to the complaint filed by Chandan Debnath.

Earlier, another accused, Ranabir Sarkar, had been arrested and identified as the alleged mastermind of the extortion network.

“He activated multiple gangs in the area for extortion and other criminal activities,” Debbarma said.

Officials said further investigation is underway to track and dismantle the criminal syndicates operating in the region.

Meanwhile, a vested interest quarter which had been working overtime to protect Ranabir Debnath has been trying to create a narrative that Debnath mentally deranged and whatever he had done in the past was under the influence of the unsoundness of his mind.