Cuttack: The drive against extortionists in Badambadi bus terminus area received a boost with police arresting four criminals who forced private bus operators to shell out money.

The arrests come after the police intensified the ongoing drive to curb the extortion racket that had been operating in the Badambadi bus stand area.

Policemen in plainclothes have been deployed in the area to keep a watch on such criminal activities.

Deputy commissioner of police Akhileswar Singh said: "There will be no let-up in our bid to curb the extortion racket." The four arrested have been identified as Madhusudan Mohanty, 29, Niranjan Rout, 41, Narayan Sahoo, 32, and Tiki Jena, 42.

While Madhusudan and Niranjan are from Jajipatna and Kadambapada in Cuttack Sadar police station limits, Narayan and Tiki are from Sankarpur Upar Sahi and Sankarpur Nua Sahi in Badambadi police station limits.

On Friday night the Badambadi police station got information that some persons were regularly collecting extortion money (dadabatti) from buses throughout the day. The goons had even threatened the "bus staff of murder" if they refused to pay up. Responding to the information, the cops carried out surprise raids on several parts of the bus stand on Friday night and arrested the four criminals from the spot. They also found Rs 5,070 in cash on them.

"It was found on inquiry that these goons had threatened the owners and employees of buses of murder. Out of fear they did not inform the police about the ongoing extortion," Singh said.

Over a 1,000 buses operate from the Badambadi bus stand every day. The extortionists disguised as "supervisors" threatened and took money to ensure smooth movement of buses in and out of the terminus.

As part of the ongoing drive, the police have arrested around 40 criminals involved in the extortion racket in Badambadi-Sankarpur.