Brahmapur Police Arrested a Man for Assaulting, Demanding Rs.80 Lakh in Extortion Bid
Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta
BRAHMAPUR, July 14: Baidyanathpur Police have arrested a man for allegedly assaulting his cousin and threatening him with an extortion demand of Rs.80 lakh following a dispute over profit-sharing in a cement pole manufacturing unit.
The accused has been identified as Maniraj Sahu alias Mani, son of Biswanath Sahu alias Bishu, a resident of Laxmi Nagar, 2nd Lane, Ankuli, Berhampur. He was arrested in connection with Baidyanathpur Police Station Case No. 362 dated July 14, 2026, registered under Sections 126(2), 296, 115(2), 308(6), and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the complaint lodged by Saroj Kumar Sahu (32), son of Subash Chandra Sahu of Sundi Sahi, Ankuli, both the complainant and the accused are cousins residing in the same locality.
Police said the accused was operating a cement pole manufacturing unit under the name “Global Enterprises” on land belonging to his brother-in-law, Birendra Kumar Sahu, who was entitled to a share of the business profits.
The complainant, who worked as a supervisor at the factory, alleged that the accused had been concealing the actual profits from the landowner. After Saroj informed Birendra Kumar Sahu about the alleged concealment, the landowner stopped the accused from continuing operations on his property, leading to a family dispute.
According to the complaint, the accused later held Saroj responsible for the closure of the factory and allegedly assaulted him. He also threatened the complainant, demanding ₹80 lakh, claiming that Saroj had illegally earned the amount through the marketing of cement poles during the accused’s absence.
During the investigation, police found prima facie evidence supporting the allegations. A OnePlus Android mobile phone belonging to the accused was seized as part of the investigation.
The accused was produced before the competent court after his arrest, and further investigation into the case is underway.
