Patna, May 5: Achyutanand Singh, former BJP MLA from Mahnar, today said he feared for his life after he was attacked by a group of men in Vaishali district late last night.

The MLA claimed the attack was planned by Maoists, who had earlier demanded Rs 1 crore from him as extortion. The attackers robbed him of Rs 1.5 lakh.

The MLA told the police on Thursday that his vehicle was intercepted by a group of around 40 red rebels around 9pm near Yusufpur village. He was returning home after attending a wedding with four of his supporters. The attackers had come by a bus, which was parked off the Hajipur-Jandaha road, around 20km northeast of Patna. They allegedly shouted slogans such as " Lal Salam Zindabad" before fleeing from the spot.

"I feel threatened," he said. "I fear for my family."

Vaishali superintendent of police Rakesh Kumar said Achyutanand's statement was being verified.

"We have ordered a probe and raids are on to apprehend the culprits," said the officer.

The MLA's supporters who were travelling with him - Gajendra Singh, Avinish Singh, Bombhole Rai and Sudhir Choudhary - gave a similar account of the incident. All were admitted to Hajipur sadar hospital for treatment.