The time of the year has come when businessmen in the city are harassed and threatened by puja committees in the name of collecting donations for Durga puja.

A section of people turns 'extortionist' at this time of the year. "They turn up at any shop at any time of the day in a group and demand as much as Rs 500 to 1500 in donation. If anyone refuses to budge, they assault the owner": Beltola Traders alleged.

"The donation collectors haven't issued any receipt against it": They added.

According to law, putting pressure on an individual for any kind of donation is equal to extortion. It may be mentioned that when such cases are reported in the media, these goons, some of whom have criminal background, try to even target the media.