PTI

Naxals increase ''levy'' to combat security forces

Sun, Nov 15 01:59 PM

New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) Naxalites have increased the ''levy'' taken from traders and locals to meet the rise in prices of arms and ammunition procured by them to fight the security forces. Documents seized by central security agencies in some of the recent Naxal operations suggest that the levy, which is usually between five to ten per cent of the income, has been increased by about two per cent.

This, sources said, could be primarily because either the central leadership of the left-wing extremists has felt the need for more income or it could also be the handiwork of smaller units of Naxals trying to make extra money. The ''levy'', a kind of commission or protection money charged from businessmen and others in Naxal-infested areas, is a money spinner for the Naxals with annual revenue of over Rs 1,500 crore.

It is not only paid by the contractors working in the areas dominated by the Naxals but also by the industrial houses, including some of nationally reputed firms, the sources said. Even the name of former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda is doing the circles of security agencies for allegedly paying off huge amounts to Naxals on a regular basis.

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