Home guard suspended over extortion charges

Balangir: A home guard posted at Jaipatna police station of Kalahandi district was suspended on Sunday after facing allegations of extortion and misuse of his position.Police said Pabitra Mohan Nayak allegedly used his position to collect money from illegal liquor sellers, betting and gambling operators, and ganja traders. Sources said he also intimidated residents and misused his influence in the area.The matter was reported to senior officials after multiple complaints were filed against his conduct. Acting on the complaints, SP Nagaraj Devarakonda ordered Nayak’s suspension following a preliminary inquiry that supported the charges. Reports said Jaipatna resident Nayak had been running an informal network to extort money from illegal and semi-legalbusinesses operating locally.