KOZHIKODE: The crime branch team – probing the incident of three prominent businessmen in city receiving threatening letters (allegedly from Maoists) asking for money – conducted raids in multiple locations connected to the person who is a suspect. On Sunday, police conducted simultaneous raids in the office of a firm owned by Paropady native Habeeb Rahman at Malapparamba housing colony, the house of his relative at Chellanoor and his flat at NGO quarters.
Several documents were recovered in the raids . It is learnt that a prominent industrialist, a jeweller and the owner of a construction firm had received letters early this month via post in the name of a banned Maoist organization demanding payment of Rs 3 crore. It warned that their family will be attacked if they don’t give the money.
Police sources said they have zeroed in on two suspects, including Thamarassery native Shajahan who had posted the letters from a post office in Wayanad. He fled to Goa after police commenced an investigation. Police were able to contact him and he is likely to appear before them soon.
The letter added that the money was needed for distribution among tribesmen. Investigation officers said they are trying to ascertain if suspects have links with Maoists or whether it was a ploy to extort money from the businessmen.
