Our Bureau
AMPATI/ TURA: The South West Garo Hills police on Tuesday arrested the accused involved in making an extortion demand from a Catholic institution in Ampati.
The accused, Somsing Marak of Arenggre village in South West Garo Hills, was arrested from his village on Tuesday morning for his involvement in the extortion call to St. Claret’s School, Ampati on May 14.
With all the Catholic institutions in Garo Hills remaining closed on Tuesday due to the threat and the widespread condemnation of the same, the case had become sensitive.
District Superintendent of Police R. Muthu lauded the efforts of the team led by Additional SP L.M. Sangma and Inspector C.D. Shira for their efforts in apprehending the culprit and said further investigation was on to find the other co-accused in the crime.
Earlier on Monday, Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh expressed his anguish and condemnation over the threat to a reputed school in the district.
“This institution is catering to the needs of hundreds of children in the area when the students of the district are lagging far behind in terms of education than their counterparts in other parts of the State. Issuing such a threat to the Mission that is doing yeomen’s service to the district is an act of stupidity and cowardice,” the Deputy Commissioner had stated.
Catholic institutions observe protest closure
Educational institutions run by Catholic Missionaries remained closed throughout Garo Hills on Tuesday as a mark of protest and solidarity against extortion demand of Rs. 5 lakh from St. Claret’s School, Ampati.
Condemning the incident the Tura Catholic Diocese on Sunday last made it known clearly that it would not bow down to the dictates of underground outfits nor would it pay a single paise to them.
The Diocese in their recent meeting with the Catholic community resolved to call for closure of all Catholic run institutions in protest against the extortion demands and urged underground outfits to work for the welfare and prosperity of the region and not against it.