Fake ULFA(I) Letter Used to Demand ₹60 Lakh From Doctor, Three Arrested

Three youths were arrested in Assam’s Dibrugarh for allegedly attempting to extort money from a doctor by posing as members of the banned insurgent outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), police said on Sunday. Investigators suspect the accused may have targeted several people across Upper Assam using similar tactics.

According to police, the case came to light after a doctor reported receiving extortion calls and SMS messages demanding ₹60 lakh . The accused also allegedly delivered a letter bearing the name of ULFA(I) , a militant outfit active in Assam.

Acting on the complaint, Assam Police launched an operation led by DSP (HQ) Nayan Moni Barua. During the investigation, officers traced and arrested three accused allegedly involved in the extortion racket .

Police said preliminary findings indicate that the trio may have issued similar threats to multiple victims in Upper Assam, particularly in Dibrugarh and Sivasagar districts. The accused are currently being interrogated at Moran Police Station , and further legal action is underway.

ULFA(I), headed by fugitive militant leader Paresh Baruah, is a breakaway faction of the original ULFA. The outfit has long been involved in separatist activities, extortion, kidnappings, and militant attacks in Assam and neighbouring regions. While peace talks between the Centre and the pro-talk faction of ULFA have progressed in recent years, ULFA(I) has continued armed activities from bases reportedly located along the India-Myanmar border .

Security agencies in Assam have repeatedly warned businesspersons, tea garden owners, contractors, and professionals against responding to extortion threats issued in the name of militant groups. Police officials said investigations are continuing to determine whether the arrested youths had any direct links with insurgent networks or were merely misusing the group’s name to intimidate victims.