Kataka: The Commissionerate Police has arrested three persons for allegedly resorting to force and intimidation while collecting donations ahead of the upcoming puja season, officials said.
Two of the accused were arrested by Markatnagar police station, while another was apprehended by Jagatpur police station. All three were produced before a court.
According to police, complaints had been received against the accused for allegedly stopping vehicles on roads and demanding donations, besides forcibly collecting money from business establishments. With such complaints reportedly increasing ahead of Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Kartikeswar Puja, the Commissionerate Police has intensified surveillance and warned of strict action against such activities.
Kataka DCP has advised people to report incidents of intimidation, forced donation collection or other forms of goondaism by calling 112 or the police helpline number 8280338303.
Police said action against those involved in forced collection of donations or creating disturbances in the name of puja festivities would be intensified in the coming days.
