Bhubaneswar, Feb. 16 -- Rayagada Police on Sunday night arrested a web channel journalist and his associate for allegedly impersonating Maoists and issuing threats to companies operating in the district.

The duo is accused of using a false Maoist identity to spread fear and intimidate businesses. According to police, they had also put up banners and posters in the name of Maoists at three different locations in the district on the 13th of last month, triggering concern among residents and company officials.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Anubrata Bara alias Ranju, a web channel journalist from Rayagada town, and Bali Majhi of Kanjangamandi village under Kashipur police station limits.

Police said that Bali Majhi had e...