New Delhi, 2 August 2013

In a shocking revelation it has come to light that Maoists annually make over Rs 150 crore through extortion.

A recent study by the government found that the Maoists earn anything between Rs 150-200 crore annually from extortion and charging of illegal taxes from government contractors. The Naxals extort money from various sources which include business establishments and industries, government contractors and funds allocated for developmental projects such as PDS (public distributions system).

The contractors feel helpless and pay the Naxals. In one particular incident, the Naxals ransacked and looted the office of a construction firm, which refused to pay up.