One held for extortion in the name of ‘festival collection’ in Coimbatore
Coimbatore police arrested an autorickshaw driver for extorting money from local shopkeepers under the guise of collecting festival donations. The suspect allegedly intimidated business owners who refused to pay immediately.
Why it matters
Extortion disguised as community or religious fundraising is a recurring issue that affects small business security and public order.
The Sundarapuram police in Coimbatore arrested an autorickshaw driver who extorted money from a shop owner on the pretext of collecting donations for Vinayaka Chaturthi celebration.
R. Uthayasuriyan (35), a resident of Muniyappan Kovil Street on Madukkarai market road, was arrested based on a complaint from H. Mansurali (45) of G.M. Nagar at Ukkadam.
The police said that Uthayasuriyan met Mr. Mansurali, who sells bags and vehicle seat covers, at his shop on August 29 and demanded money for Vinayaka Chaturthi celebration arrangements. Uthayasuriyan allegedly intimidated and insulted Mansurali when he informed that the contribution would be given later. He also intimidated another shopkeeper and his brother when they intervened, the police said.
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