Dibrugarh: A suspected extortion attempt targeting Doomdooma businessmen has prompted a police investigation.Around 10 traders in Doomdooma, Tinsukia, allegedly received letters demanding money in the name of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (Ulfa-I). The outfit denied issuing the letters and alleged that the names and signatures of its senior leaders were misused.The traders approached police. The letters purportedly carried the names of Ulfa-I finance secretary Michael Asom and assistant finance secretary Abhimanyu Asom.Police are examining the letters to determine whether they were issued by Ulfa-I or circulated by individuals impersonating the outfit.In a statement on Friday, Ulfa-I said letters seeking financial assistance were circulated since July 28, allegedly bearing the names and signatures of Michael Asom and Abhimanyu Asom.“It has been clearly established from the organisation’s side that no letter was sent by the Ulfa-I to any person in Doomdooma in Tinsukia district,” the statement read.Ulfa-I said its internal inquiry found that no letter was issued to anyone in Doomdooma. It alleged that individuals were using its leaders’ names for vested interests and urged people not to provide financial assistance or cooperation to those involved.Ulfa-I appealed to the public to verify the authenticity of communications issued in its name before responding.“We are verifying the authenticity of the letters and investigating the persons behind them. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” a senior police officer said.
