Farmer on the run after using slain naxal’s name to extort ₹5 lakh

The Pavagada police are on a manhunt for a farmer who allegedly used the name of a late Naxal to threaten another farmer and demand ₹5 lakh as ransom.The accused, identified as Venkatesh, resident of Kanikala bande village, allegedly sent a threatening letter to fellow farmer Hiriyanna in the name of Devanna Dalam, a Naxal leader from Andhra Pradesh who died a few years ago. In the letter, Hiriyanna was allegedly warned to pay ₹5 lakh to Venkatesh or face dire consequences.Police suspect that Venkatesh resorted to the threat to intimidate Hiriyanna following a land dispute between the two farmers. Investigators believe he deliberately invoked the name of the Naxal group to make the threat appear genuine and instil fear in his rival.Based on a complaint filed by Hiriyanna, Pavagada police have registered a case of extortion and launched an investigation to trace Venkatesh, who is currently absconding.According to police, Venkatesh, who is the husband of a Gram Panchayat president, is a habitual offender with several cases pending against him.The police are conducting a search to nab him and ascertain whether he has used similar tactics to threaten or extort others. Published - September 13, 2026 10:41 pm IST