Bihar legislator alleges extortion bid by Maoists

PATNA - A Bharatiya Janata Party legislator in Bihar alleged that Maoists demanded Rs.50 lakh from him and threatened him with dire consequences if he did not pay up, police Tuesday said.

According to police officials, Maoists called Ashok Singh, who represents Paru assembly constituency in Muzaffarpur district, on his cell phone and demanded the amount for the protection of his relatives who are executing a road project in Muzaffarpur, about 70 km from here.

After getting the phone call, Singh lodged a police complaint.

Muzaffarpur Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar has assured all protection to Singh and his family.