Maoist 'threat' for persons including businessmen, two arrested

KOZHIKODE: Two persons have been arrested in connection with the death threats sent to two prominent businessmen, a contractor and a political leader in the name of a Maoist organization with the aim of extorting crores of money. Crime Branch ACP TP Sreejith arrested Habib Rahman, 46, a building contractor, and his relative Shahjahan, 43, of Kalathingal in Kattippara.

Habib Rahman is accused in several cheque cases in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. He wrote all four letters in his own handwriting. He was then accompanied by his relative Shahjahan. The letters were posted by Shahjahan at the Wayanad Chundel post office. Three letters were sent to Kozhikode district. Letter for the political leader was sent to Malappuram. Rs 11 crore was demanded from four persons.

They threatened to kill family members if they did not pay. Upon receipt of the complaint, Police conducted an undercover investigation on the instructions of City Police Chief AV George and identified the letter as fake. After checking the CCTV footage, a vehicle came under suspicion. The accused were later identified in an investigation conducted. After the arrest of Habib Rahman, Shahjahan, who had gone to Goa, was also summoned and arrested. The luxury vehicle, used to go to Wayanad to post the letter, was also taken into custody.

According to Habib Rahman, the fake threats were sent to high - income individuals in the name of Maoist organizations with the aim of paying off the huge financial burden in the construction sector. The day after Shahjahan posted the letter, Habib Rahman reached Chundel and called one of the businessmen to confirm whether he had received the letter and demanded Rs 3 crore.