Bhubaneswar: Bharatpur Police Monday arrested a 31-year-old man Monday for demanding extortion money, abusing and assaulting a couple running a snacks outlet at Tarini Market near Studio Chhak.
The woman shop owner lodged a complaint with Bharatpur Police alleging that the accused Pabitra Maharana used to visit her shop and consume food without paying money.
It was around 5 pm Sunday, when Pabitra arrived at the shop and allegedly demanded Rs 500 per day as extortion, along with free jalebi and pakoda.
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When the complainant and her husband refused to serve him free food, Pabitra verbally abused them and shoved her husband.
When the couple protested, the accused snatched the UPI payment sound box and a light stand from the shop and threatened them with dire consequences before fleeing the spot.
Police launched an investigation and arrested Pabitra from the GA Colony area. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the offence.
Pabitra was booked under sections 296(b)/126(2)/351(2)/ 308(2)/324(4) BNS. Further investigation is underway.
