Measures to Fight against Unabated Extortion in the State

Extortion is the act of demanding money, property or services from an individual, business establishment, company or shop owner using force or intimidation. It typically involves threats, violence or damage to force the victims with demands.

Extortion can take various forms, including ransom, gangsterism and hooliganism, wherein perpetrators make demands for protection or to prevent harm. It is a serious criminal offence that undermines trust in society, badly hampering various business establishments and violates individuals rights.

Therefore, to enforce harsh laws to fight the menace of extortion in the state, a combination of tough legal mechanisms, stricter enforcement strategies and community engagement is needed. Here, law enforcement agencies can effectively enforce stringent laws, including rigorous penalties to tackle the extortion menace in the state. This may include longer jail term, strict bail conditions and zero-tolerance policy, sending out a clear and strong message that such criminal activities will not be tolerated under any circumstances in the state.

The law enforcement agencies should be given more power to seize assets acquired through extortion activities and other illicit means. This may stop extortionists from carrying out illegal activities further.

Introduce law to protect the rights and safety of the public and victims, including provisions of law for witness protection, confidentiality and support service. Establish specialised units within the law enforcement agencies to carry out search and investigate extortion cases. These units should be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, training and expertise to fight organised crime effectively.

Carry out undercover operations to gather of information on extortion nexus, sneak into criminal networks and gather sufficient evidence for prosecution. Sting operations using secret surveillance, spying, wiretapping and other effective investigative techniques can help to catch criminals in the act. Rapid response teams capable of swiftly responding to reports of extortion and illegal activities should be formed to ensure the safety of the public and victims while apprehending the perpetrators.

Install advanced surveillance systems, such as CCTV cameras and other technology should be installed at vulnerable areas and locations to track the movements of extortionists. Employ digital forensics techniques to gather information and evidence from electronic devices, such as mobile phones and laptops used by extortionists to communicate and coordinate their criminal activities. Establish collaboration and information-sharing between law enforcement agencies at the district, local and village levels to tackle extortion-related issues.

Engage with civil society organisations, local leaders and advocacy groups to raise awareness about the menace of extortion in the state; encourage reporting and provide logistic support services to victims. Launch public awareness campaigns to educate common citizens about the dangers of extortion, how to identify extortion attempts and where to report such incidents. Introduce educational programmes in schools and colleges to teach students about the consequences of engaging in extortion and the importance of ethical behaviour in society. Carried out outreach programmes in towns and localities affected by extortion, involving residents, business owners, traders and community leaders to build trust, gather information and encourage cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Prioritise extortion cases in the judicial system, ensuring fast-track trials and timely justice for victims. Maintain transparency in the legal process, keeping the public informed about the progress of extortion cases and the outcomes of prosecutions. Hold law enforcement officials accountable for their actions, ensuring that they adhere to strict ethical standards and respect the rights of suspects and victims alike.

In conclusion, enforcing harsh laws to check the menace of extortion needs a comprehensive approach that includes legal reforms, proactive law enforcement strategies, technological innovations, collaboration with common people, public awareness campaigns and a commitment to deliver a quick and transparent justice. By strictly implementing these measures, law enforcement agencies can deter extortionists and annihilate illegal activities in the state, and thereby protect the victims while upholding the rule of law in society.

Y. Mhonchumo Humtsoe

PG student (International Relations)

North East Christian University, Dimapur.