Andhra police nab former Maoist engaged in extortion

A former Maoist courier, who allegedly extorted money from government officials and businessmen has been arrested, police said today.

The commissioner's task force apprehended Rachakonda Laxmaiah, who along with his associates extorted anything from Rs1 lakh to Rs3 lakh from several government officials, contractors and businessmen in the guise of Maoists between 2003 and 2009, commissioner’s task force deputy commissioner of police, VB Kamalasan Reddy said.

Laxmaiah, a native of Nalgonda district started participating in Naxal activities in 1988. He also distributed PWG brochures in Mahaboobnagar and Nalgonda districts and participated in underground activities before surrendering to Police in 1997, Reddy said.

"Laxmaiah initially roped in his associates to extort money and as differences arose between the gang members with regard to the sharing of extorted amounts, Laxmaiah started operating independently and extorted lakhs of rupees," the DCP said adding since last few months he was threatening government officials in different districts across Andhra Pradesh.

On receiving a complaint about Laxmaiah's activities, a special team of commissioner’s task force worked out leads and nabbed him while he was waiting for collecting money, the DCP said. Further investigations were on.