In a shocking incident from the capital city of Bihar, three college students were taken into custody by Patna Police on Friday for allegedly extorting money from local businesses under the guise of collecting donations for Saraswati Puja. The accused, all students of BN College, were apprehended red-handed while threatening shopkeepers for funds.
Students Caught Red-Handed with Receipt Book
The arrested individuals have been identified as Vikas Kumar, Manish Prakash, and Aditya Kumar. According to police officials, the trio was actively soliciting donations from shopkeepers and business establishments in the area. A critical piece of evidence, a receipt book, was recovered from Manish Prakash during the police search. This book contained entries with the names of several local shopkeepers, pointing to the scale of their activities.
Complaint from Business Association Triggers Police Action
The police intervention came swiftly after the local business association filed a formal complaint. The association members reported that students from nearby hostels were demanding money for the upcoming Saraswati Puja celebrations and were not hesitating to issue threats of harm if their demands were refused. Central SP Disha provided details on the operation, stating, "The police received specific information about students threatening shopkeepers for donations. A dedicated team was formed to investigate, which led to the students being caught in the act."
Investigation Underway, Students in Custody
The case has highlighted concerns over coercive practices during festival seasons. The police have confirmed that a thorough investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the operation and to determine if more individuals are involved. The three arrested students are currently in police custody as authorities delve deeper into the matter. This incident serves as a stern reminder that illegal activities, even under the cover of religious festivals, will face strict legal consequences.
