A magistrate court here yesterday sentenced an extortionist to two years rigorous imprisonment (RI) in a first ever judgment under the Speedy Tribunal Act in the district, court sources said.

The convict is Kartik. He was also fined Tk 1,000, in default, to suffer one month more RI.

First class magistrate Ahmed Kabir pronounced the verdict.

The story, in brief, is that Kartik Devanath, Siblu Sikder and Sapon Dey went the Laxmichhari residence of Rajani Devanath, a businessman at Laxmichhari Bazar under Laxmichhari upazila on January 28. They demanded Tk 50,000 extortion from him and forcedly took Tk 20,000 at that time, Rajani alleged. They threatened him with the dire consequences for disclosing the matter to anybody and gave them three days ultimatum for payment of the rest Tk 30,000.

As the culprits went to his house again to collect the rest amount on January 31, he and his family members raised a hue and cry. Neighbours came to their help, chased and caught the culprits. Later, they handed over them to Laxmichhari police.

Rajani filed a case with the police station on February 1.

Sub-Inspector of Sadar Police Station Prabir Kumar Das, also Investigation Officer (IO) of the case said after investigation he found Kartik as the accused and the two others innocent. So, he submitted charge-sheet accusing Kartik only.

Police said, this was the first judgment under Speedy Tribunal Act-2002 in the district where a culprit got punishment within a short period.