Burrabazar jeweller receives extortion letter demanding ₹50 lakh, allegedly from Maoists

In a chilling reminder of Jangalmahal's past unrest, a prominent gold merchant in Kolkata's Burrabazar has received a threat letter demanding ₹50 lakh. The letter, allegedly from a Maoist organisation, warns of “action” if the sum is not paid and provides details of the recipient meant to collect the extortion money.

The letter, addressed to a shop owner on Old China Bazar Street, was reportedly written by someone identifying himself as Sameer Mondal. It demands the merchant “contribute” ₹50 lakh to the Maoist fund and instructs him to hand over the money to Gupikant Banerjee alias Makul, a resident of Deganga in North 24 Parganas. The letter also mocks law enforcement, stating that even approaching the police will not help.

Alarmed by the threat, the merchant lodged a formal complaint at the Burrabazar police station. While investigators have launched a probe, they remain uncertain whether the threat is genuinely linked to Maoist groups or is a case of impersonation. The police are now verifying the identities mentioned in the letter and checking for any known links to extremist activity.

The case has triggered concern in Kolkata’s business circles, with authorities now evaluating the possibility of Maoist tactics being used to target urban traders under the guise of revolutionary fundraising.