Sri Lanka, Jan. 22 -- Colombo, Jan 22 () - An organized gang has been operating in various areas of the country, defrauding people by making telephone calls and posing as police officers, attempting to extort money, the police said yesterday.

Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that numerous complaints had been received to various police stations regarding calls made to residents where the callers falsely claim to be police officials seeking money.

"The calls initially targeted landlines in houses located in the Mulleriya and Nawagamuwa areas. There is a possibility that this organized gang may make similar calls to other areas as well. The impersonators, posing as police officers, inform residents that they are involved in certain...