Damauli, May 6

Extortion drive in the name of Hindu Morcha Nepal has terrified residents of Tanahun district of late.

The morcha has allegedly been forcing local residents, traders, industrialists and employees of various organisations to donate money.

Local traders complained that the morcha had sent them letters signed by its central coordinator Nandi Hindu and district coordinator Samrat Pandey asking for donation.

According to them, the morcha has been extorting the locals, saying they needed financial support to free the country from Christian proselytisers and restore Hindu nation.

“We have no choice other than to collect donation from traders, commoners and industrialists,” reads the morcha’s letter.

The morcha has fixed donation amount ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000. However, they accept whatever amount is offered, said sources.

“Some masked young ladies distributed the letter first and later came to collect the amount,” said the traders.

DSP Surendra Bahadur Gurung at the District Police Office, Tanahun said they had started searching for the extortionists after they received complaints.