Gangtok, Jan. 22 -- Ranipool Police have taken into custody a 58-year-old man in connection with a case involving alleged impersonation, blackmail and extortion. The accused, identified as Madan Chettri, son of the late Dewan Singh Chettri and a resident of 7th Mile, Samdur, is presently under police custody.

According to police officials, the accused allegedly pretended to be a Vigilance Officer and intimidated a senior citizen pandit by threatening to falsely implicate him in a 28-year-old unnatural death case. Using fear, social pressure and concerns over reputation, the accused is alleged to have extorted a total sum of Rs 3.50 lakh from the victim.

Investigations indicate that the blackmail and extortion were carried out through re...