Four persons have been arrested on charges of threatening and extorting money from various businesspersons in Pokhara.

Kaski Police in coordination with Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have arrested Nar Bahadur Gurung alias Shanker, 35, of Taksar, Putalibazar Municipality-6 in Syangja district, and currently residing in Jarebar, Pokhara, Amrit Khadka, 26, of Phedikhola-4, Syangja, Shiva Karki, 23, of Phedikhola-2 and Ramu Subedi, 27, of Kushma Municipality-10, Parbat on charges of extortion.

The arrested individuals, claiming to be members of Manoj Pun’s gang, had been calling and sending threatening text messages to extort money from Businessman and Nepali Congress lawmaker from Province 4 Bindu Kumar Thapa, businessmen Kalu Gurung, Bodhraj Giri and Manakamana Cable Car operator Rajesh Babu Shrestha since January 9, informed police.

Police have initiated investigations on kidnapping charges by extending their remand from the district court. The police are also planning to press charges of organised crimes against the individuals.