Bhubaneswar: A group posing as officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been arrested for allegedly extorting money from educational institutions and business establishments in Bhubaneswar.

According to reports, the accused used to enter schools and colleges, falsely claiming to be CID officials. They would threaten authorities by pointing out alleged irregularities and demand money to avoid action. Their activities were not limited to educational institutions, as they also targeted major business establishments using similar tactics.

The gang was caught red-handed outside a private educational institution in the Chandrasekharpur area. Police reached the spot after receiving information that the group was intimidating staff and demanding money.

Eight individuals, including four women, have been arrested and forwarded to court. The accused have been identified as Pooja Behera, Pratima Parida, Jenamani Pradhan, Saubhagya Sahu, Dharmendra Boitai, Manoj Kumar Mishra, Annapurna Panda and Nilu Nayak.

Police said further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the racket and whether more people are involved.