Impersonation of NGO members for extortion
TURA: The impersonation of members of certain NGOs for the purpose of extortion from non-Garos in Tura has come to light with revelations made by some of the victims of the racket.
While the Garo Student’s Union (GSU) has been the name most commonly used, other NGOs like the FKJGP, A’chik Youth Welfare Organization (AYWO) and Association for Democracy and Empowerment (ADE) have also not been spared by the imposters. Taking strong exception to the revelations, the NGOs have denied having any connection to these people and warned of strong action against them.
“We have instructed all concerned to inform us if anyone comes demanding for money in our name. We have been on the lookout for these people and will take strong action against them,” GSU, CEC president, Tengsak G Momin said.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commission, Pravin Bakshi has also urged the people to come forward to report such crimes and assured that strong action would be taken against the offenders.
According to reports, the imposters have been using the ILP mandate to extort money by posing as NGO members. The people from non-Garo colonies revealed that these imposters have been coming to their houses and asking for the number of people living on rent. They would then ask the owners as well the people living on rent to cough up a sum (ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 1000) stating that it was being collected on behalf of certain NGOs. The president of the FKJGP, Garo Hills Zone, Pritam Marak said that these people were taking advantage of the situation.
